On this day, April 20, 2018: Shane Watson smashes a terrific century as CSK beat RR. It was the 17th match of the season between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. CSK were batting first and the openers Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu provided a quick start as they put on a partnership of 50 runs within five overs of the innings. Rayudu was the first to be dismissed for 12 runs. Suresh Raina joined Shane Watson and the duo stitched up an excellent partnership and put Chennai Super Kings right on top.
Both batters played at an excellent tempo and the run rate was over 11 an over for most of the innings. Suresh Raina was dismissed for 46 runs from 29 balls as Rajasthan Royals tried to comeback into the game. CSK lost a few wickets in quick succession as MS Dhoni and Sam Billings were dismissed. Shane Watson continued his onslaught from the other end as he went past a century.
It was a spectacular knock from the Australian batter. Watson was eventually dismissed for 106 and CSK found a great finish from Bravo as they posted a total of 204/5 at the end of the first innings. It was an above par total on that surface. Chasing the target, Rajasthan Royals lost three quick wickets as they were reduced to 32/3 and Chennai Super Kings were dominating the game.
Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler counter attacked and put up a partnership but once they got dismissed it was difficult for Rajasthan Royals to recover. Chennai Super Kings bowlers were excellent throughout the game as Rajasthan Royals were bowled out for 140 and Chennai Super Kings won the match by 64 runs. It was a clinical performance with both bat and ball. Shane Watson was the player of the match for his outstanding knock and he also picked up a wicket with the ball to cap off his all-round brilliance.
