SHANE WATSON’S unbeaten century fired Chennai Super Kings to IPL glory in a fairytale return to the tournament.
The Aussie opener crashed 117 from 57 balls as CSK romped to a third title with an eight wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mumbai.
MS Dhoni’s yellow brigade returned to India’s prestigious T20 competition after a two-year ban and lifted the trophy once again.
Chennai were far too strong for 2016 champions SRH in Sunday’s showpiece at Wankhede Stadium.
They have reached the final a remarkable seven times in nine appearances in the IPL, adding the 2018 title to their victories in 2010 and 2011.
Sunrisers set CSK the target of 179 runs to win, which they achieved with nine balls to spare.
Watson showed his ruthless nature by hitting the highest ever score ever made in an IPL final – while also sharing a second wicket-stand of 117 runs with Suresh Raina.
The 36-year-old hit a staggering 19 boundaries – including three straight sixes in the 13th over.
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He took 11 balls to get off the mark, but made up for last time in emphatic fashion as he was named as the IPL Man of the Match.
Ambati Rayudu hit the winning runs for CSK, as he sealed a cover drive to the boundary to spark jubilant scenes.
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