International Sports
Sunrisers Hyderabad qualify for IPL playoffs after victory over Chennai Super Kings
Kishan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a crucial five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in Match 63 of the IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, confirming their place in the playoffs and also sealing qualification for Gujarat Titans.
Chasing a target of 181 on a challenging Chepauk surface, SRH reached 181 for 5 with one over remaining after a composed batting performance led by Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen.
After winning the toss, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad elected to bat first in front of a packed home crowd.
CSK started aggressively through Sanju Samson, who struck 27 runs from just 13 balls before SRH captain Pat Cummins claimed the early breakthrough. Young batter Urvil Patel added quick runs with two sixes before falling for 13 off eight deliveries.
The hosts lost momentum during the middle overs as Gaikwad struggled for fluency, scoring 15 off 21 balls before becoming Cummins’ second wicket. Kartik Sharma contributed a brisk 32 off 19 balls, while Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube later rebuilt the innings with an important partnership.
Brevis scored 44 off 27 deliveries and Dube added 26, helping Chennai reach 180 for 7 in 20 overs. Cummins led the SRH bowling attack with impressive figures of 3 for 28.
In reply, Ishan Kishan anchored the chase with a superb 70 off 47 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. Abhishek Sharma chipped in with 26 before Heinrich Klaasen turned the match decisively in Hyderabad’s favour.
Klaasen blasted 47 off only 26 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, putting the Chennai bowlers under heavy pressure during the middle overs. Although Mukesh Choudhary and Anshul Kamboj picked up late wickets, SRH comfortably completed the chase in 19 overs.
Kishan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.
Meanwhile, IPL action continues today as Lucknow Super Giants take on Rajasthan Royals in another important clash of the tournament. Lucknow will look to strengthen their playoff hopes, while Rajasthan Royals aim to finish their campaign strongly.
The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.