MS Dhoni lauds Shane Watson’s ‘shocking’ innings in IPL 2018 final

Shane Watson slammed 11 boundaries and 8 sixes in the IPL 2018 final to help the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings chase down Sunrisers Hyderabad’s score of 179 in just 18.3 overs.

Shane Watson recorded the highest ever score in an Indian Premier League (IPL) final with 117 off 57 balls to steer Chennai Super Kings to third title. (MATCH REPORT)

Chennai Super Kings’ Shane Watson celebrates after scoring his century against Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL 2018 final in Mumbai, India, on May 27, 2018. (AP)

CSK, who made their return to the tournament after a two-year suspension, started the innings in the worst way possible, with runs coming very slowly. (HIGHLIGHTS) (SCORECARD)

But Watson slammed 11 boundaries and eight massive sixes to help the MS Dhoni-led side chase down Sunrisers Hyderabad’s score of 179 in just 18.3 overs.

CSK were ridiculed for the selection of their team before the start of the IPL, highlighting the fact that many their players were well above 30.

READ | MS Dhoni makes history during Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2018 final

But a 36-year-old Watson, who had scored on 71 runs from eight outings in IPL 2017 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, showed that experience still counts in the end.

Watson’s innings seems to have come as a surprise to Dhoni as well. After the game, the former Indian captain posted a message applauding the Australian’s ‘shocking’ innings.