Shane Watson's 106 laid the platform for an elusive Chennai Super Kings win in their new home ground in Pune. Watson coupled with Suresh Raina (46) and Dwyane Bravo's (24*) efforts at the end scored a competitive 204. MS Dhoni had a rare failure as he was dismissed cheaply for just 5.
The Rajasthan bowlers had a long day at the office as they went around the park. Rajasthan's ailing fielding efforts added to the misery as Rajasthan looked lost and bamboozled in front of a wonderful batting display by Watson.
Chasing 205 for victory, RR were never really in the game. They were always behind the asking rate as CSK bowlers chipped in with wickets at regular intervals. Heinrich Klaasen who was drafted into the playing XI instead of D'Arcy scored just 7 as skipper Rahane failed yet again. Stokes was the lone man standing for the Royals with 45 as the others did not get any start to take the Rajasthan innings further.
Rajasthan thus succumbed to their second straight defeat as CSK registered their first win at their new home ground by 64 runs.
Twitter was buzzing with the return of CSK in Pune plus Watson's fantastic century. Herer are some of the best tweets which celebrated this Chennai victory.
#RR completely outplayed. CSK found a new overseas hero in every win thus far...Bravo, Billings and now, Watson. On the other hand, RR’s overseas stars not shining bright enough... #CSKvRR #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 20, 2018
That caught and bowled by Shardul Thakur! CSK were simply marvellous tonite. It was ta ta Rajasthan Royals after Butler and Stokes failed to put up a big partnership
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 20, 2018
What a smashing innings @ShaneRWatson33! Another win for @ChennaiIPL #CSKvsRR
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 20, 2018
The beauty of @ChennaiIPL's batting strength is that they are not over dependent on one particular Individual to take them through. 4 matches and 4 different batsmen have stepped up and scored runs for them. Thoughts on their first win at #DenAwayFromDen #CSKvRR pic.twitter.com/HD60rbAyDB
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) April 20, 2018
What a resounding win for @ChennaiIPL . Watson century, Raina scoring runs, all bowlers chipping in , adapting very quickly to the new home, Pune. But the #WhistlePodu express train idea and the support of the fans for me was the standout. The most amazing fans #CSKvsRR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 20, 2018
Well played Shane Watson ???????? Experience counts. #CSKvRR #VIVOIPL2018
— Ajay Ratra (@ajratra) April 20, 2018