Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in IPL 2026 on May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to officially qualify for the playoffs. Chasing 181, SRH produced a clinical batting performance and completed the chase in 19 overs to strengthen their position in the top four.
Batting first, CSK posted 180/7 in their allotted 20 overs after recovering from an inconsistent start. Dewald Brevis played an aggressive knock of 44 runs from just 27 deliveries and helped Chennai maintain momentum through the middle overs. The innings also received useful contributions from the lower middle order, allowing the hosts to reach a competitive total on a batting-friendly surface.
For Hyderabad, captain Pat Cummins led from the front with the ball and finished with impressive figures of 3/28 in four overs. Young pacer Sakib Hussain also delivered an important spell, picking up 2/34 and putting pressure on the CSK batting line-up during crucial moments.
In reply, SRH remained in control throughout the chase thanks to a composed innings from Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 70 runs off 47 balls, including several boundaries and sixes, anchoring the innings brilliantly. His partnership with the middle order ensured Hyderabad stayed ahead of the required run rate and comfortably crossed the finish line with six balls remaining.
For Chennai, Mukesh Choudhary was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 2/36 in his four overs. Despite a few breakthroughs, CSK failed to stop Hyderabad’s strong batting unit from sealing an important victory.
Talking Points:
Pat Cummins rattled CSK batting unit
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins produced a brilliant spell with the ball and completely unsettled the Chennai Super Kings batting line-up. The Australian pacer consistently bowled hard lengths and accurate deliveries, making it difficult for the batters to settle at the crease. Cummins picked up the crucial wickets of Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Kartik Sharma, dismantling the core of CSK’s batting order and putting the hosts under immense pressure.
Dewald Brevis provided some resistance
Despite wickets falling regularly at the other end, Dewald Brevis stood firm and played a counter-attacking knock for Chennai. The young South African batter scored 44 runs off just 27 deliveries, smashing two boundaries and four sixes at an impressive strike rate of 162.96. His aggressive approach in the middle overs gave CSK some momentum and helped the side recover from a difficult situation. Brevis’ innings played a major role in taking Chennai close to the 180-run mark.
Sunrisers Hyderabad completed the chase comfortably
Chasing a target of 181, SRH approached the innings calmly and remained in control for most of the run chase. Although they lost a couple of early wickets, the experienced pair of Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan steadied the innings with an important 75-run partnership. Kishan anchored the chase brilliantly with a composed half-century, while Klaasen played an aggressive supporting role. Their partnership almost sealed the contest before the middle order finished the chase comfortably with one over remaining.
Who said what?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings (Losing Captain)
Was a good game of cricket. Was a good T20 pitch, didn’t change much. Just missed out on few, but still proud of the boys. Just needed to cash in on the opportunity after the opposition lost a wicket, couldn’t do that. Lot of positives to be honest. Samson has been playing really well for us. Missed out on a few key players. It depends on a lot of factors. Everyone gave their heart out today, proud of the boys. The fans support us through the thick and thin. We were much better this year compared to the last year.
Pat Cummins, Sunrisers Hyderabad (Winning Captain)
Really satisfying. Pretty tough wicket to bat. That partnership [between Kishan and Klaasen] was really tough. They just chose their match-ups, and played some ridiculous shots. When we were bowling, we felt like it was staying a bit low. Felt like it came down to one or two partnerships. Felt like it was round about par. Can’t give yourself a better chance than what we have. The real stuff starts now. There’s always a few things [to work on]. Overall, really happy.
Ishan Kishan, Player of the Match
When I was keeping, I felt the wicket was not easy – especially when the spinners were bowling, and the slower balls working really well. I had to just play till the last over. It was just about being there and believing in yourself. You cannot doubt yourself at any time. Being in the middle, it’s difficult for the bowlers to get it right every time. We both [me and Klaasen] were just playing our shots… I was just feeling blessed from upstairs.
