The Japan Times - Big-hitting Hyderabad, rock-steady Chennai register IPL wins

Kishan struck his first century in the world's most lucrative T20 tournament to lead hosts Hyderabad to 286-6 and a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals in the first match of the day.

In the second game, left-handed New Zealand batsman Ravindra hit an unbeaten 65 as Chennai beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets at the Chepauk Stadium.

Hyderabad posted the second highest total in tournament history after being just one run short of their own best of 287.

Kishan hammered a ton in 45 balls to pummel the opposition attack after Travis Head smashed 67 off 31 deliveries in the second match of the league that began Saturday.

"To be very honest, the nervousness was there," said player of the match Kishan.

"The environment (in the team) is so calm and composed, you know you just have to go in and believe in yourself like what's supposed to be done at that point of time."

Rajasthan finished on 242-6 after half-centuries from Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel. Shimron Hetmyer hit 42 off 23 balls.

Batting first, Hyderabad's Australian import Head came out roaring with opening partner Abhishek Sharma and the two gave the team a blazing start.

Head hammered fast bowler Jofra Archer for 23 runs in one over to set the pace for the onslaught.

Archer went on to concede 76 runs in four overs for the most expensive spell in the IPL.

Head and Kishan, playing his first match for Hyderabad, put on 85 runs off 39 balls for the second wicket to lay the foundations for the total.

The Hyderabad innings included a remarkable 34 fours and 12 sixes.

Last year, Hyderabad posted the highest-ever IPL total of 287-3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rajasthan ended on 242-6 in their 20 overs.

- 'X-factor' Noor -

Later Sunday, Chennai won with five balls to spare after Ravindra hit the winning six.

Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad returned figures of 4-18 to help Chennai restrict Mumbai to 155-9.

Ravindra anchored the chase, after skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed 53 off 26 deliveries.

Former India captain and 43-year-old Chennai icon M.S. Dhoni, playing in his 18th straight IPL season, walked out to bat for the final few balls.

Chennai and Mumbai share an old rivalry, with both teams winning five titles each in the T20 tournament that began in 2008.

The hosts fielded first and their bowlers justified Gaikwad's decision as seamer Khaleel Ahmed rattled the Mumbai top-order, including getting former skipper Rohit Sharma out for a duck in the first over.

Left-arm quick Khaleel bowled South African Ryan Rickelton for 13 as he under-edged a delivery onto his stumps.

Ahmad took over from Khaleel and turned on the heat with his left-arm wrist spin as he dismissed Mumbai captain Suryakumar Yadav stumped for 29, with Dhoni taking the bails off in seconds to display glimpses of his old glovesmanship.

"Noor is an X-factor and good to have him in the team," said Gaikwad.

On Dhoni, the skipper said: "He is still the same, he's fitter this year and hitting more sixes in the nets this year."

H.Takahashi--JT