IPL 2018, Qualifier 1, SRH vs CSK: 5 talking points

#1 Faf du Plessis's match-winning knock

Du Plessis deservedly picked up the MoM award for his unbeaten knock of 67 off 42 balls

Faf du Plessis' 2018 IPL has been a short experience thus far with a mix of injury and good form from the top-order CSK batsmen restricting the South African to just 4 appearances before tonight's big match.

He has not been able to do much of note this season but the CSK team management still made a huge call to not only include Du Plessis for tonight's match but also have him open the innings in place of Ambati Rayudu who has enjoyed plenty of success at the top for CSK this season.

CSK had a bad start, being reduced to 39/4 losing the key wickets of Watson, Raina, Rayudu and Dhoni and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Du Plessis stood firm though at the other end, fighting a lone battle waiting for some support at the other end.

Du Plessis had a lucky escape himself after initially being given out LBW off Rashid Khan before the decision was overturned via referral.

He made his way to a gritty half-century but the manner in which SRH has successfully defended low totals in the 2018 IPL, it seemed as if Kane Williamson's side was destined for victory before Du Plessis finally found the support he was looking for in the form of Shardul Thakur.

Their 27-run partnership off 9 balls sealed a truly memorable win for CSK but if not for Du Plessis, MS Dhoni's side could have well ended up playing the Qualifier 2. But its the final that awaits CSK now with Du Plessis deservingly hitting the winning runs with a six.

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