Shane Watson, opening batsman for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recalled his match-winning hundred in the finals of the 2018 IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH had set CSK a target of 179 runs to win, as CSK vied for a title after returning to the fold after two years.

Shane Watson slammed 117* runs in 57 balls to help CSK to their third IPL title. He called it redemption for failing to win it for Royal Challengers Bangalore when they had faced SRH in 2016 final.

“Hundred in the final for CSK was like icing on the cake. Two years before, I had played in the final for RCB, and even though I gave my all, I had an absolute shocker. Because of the overs that I bowled and at the position where I batted, towards the middle overs in the back of the innings, I absolutely stuffed it,” the former Aussie all-rounder said.

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“I went for about 60 runs in my four overs. Ben Cutting got a real hold of me. I was trying my absolute best, maybe trying too hard, because I wanted to perform well. When batting, I got out at a really bad time, when I needed to stay on. I solely blamed myself for the loss,” Watson said.

Talking about grabbing the chance that came his way while playing for CSK and the finals in 2018 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Watson mentioned,” When I got a chance to play a final for CSK, I wanted to make amends. I thought I won’t try harder but will use what I learnt from technical and mental perspectives. I need to be in better space - to try and perform better - hopefully, play a match-winning inning.”

“That was why it was more special. You wish you can have those innings in the final and it hardly ever happens. It was just meant to be my time,” the 38-year-old added.

(cricket.com.au/ Unplayable Podcast input)