CHENNAI, India (AP) — Sunrisers Hyderabad qualified for the Indian Premier League playoffs after Ishan Kishan anchored them to a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Monday.

Hyderabad’s win also ensured the Gujarat Titans a place in the four-team playoffs. Defending champion and league leader Royal Challengers Bengaluru were already through, meaning only one place remained to be filled in the knockouts.

Five-time champion Chennai was still in contention but needed to beat Gujarat in its last league match on Thursday, and for other results to go in its favor.

Hyderabad, playing its first game after a week’s rest, cruised to 181-5 with an over to spare as Kishan scored a breezy 70 off 47 balls and Heinrich Klaasen mastered spin with a knock of 47 off 26 deliveries.

Chennai made 180-7, struggling against the variations of the Hyderabad fast bowlers: Captain Pat Cummins led with 3-28 and was complemented by Sakib Hussain’s 2-34 and Eshan Malinga’s 1-26.

“Really satisfying, pretty tough wicket to bat,” Cummins said. “That partnership (between Kishan and Klaasen) was really tough. They just chose their matchups and played some ridiculous shots.

“The real stuff (playoffs) starts now.”

Veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni came to the stadium for the first time this season, but he was still nursing a calf injury and sat out his team’s final home game in front of almost 35,000 fans.

Full Scorecard – CSK vs SRH Match 63 IPL 2026, May 18

Sunrisers Hyderabad 181 for 5 (Kishan 70, Klaasen 47, Choudhary 2-36) beat Chennai Super Kings 180 for 7 (Brevis 44, Cummins 3-28, Sakib 2-34) by five wickets

Match Highlights & Key Moments

Chennai’s Sanju Samson started briskly on the slow pitch, smashing five fours and a six off the first 11 balls he faced before Cummins found his outside edge in the third over.

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad labored for 21 balls to score 15 without a boundary before he, too, fell to Cummins, but Chennai was well served by Dewald Brevis (44) and Kartik Sharma (32), scoring at a healthy rate in the middle overs.

However, they were overshadowed by Hyderabad’s Kishan and Klaasen, who were dropped on 18.

The pair combined for 75 for the third wicket until Klaasen was stumped. But Kishan batted on to six runs from victory.

“We were in the game until the second-last over,” Gaikwad said. “Everyone played their heart out today.”

What This Result Means for IPL 2026

With their eighth place in the IPL 2026, Hyderabad have made it to the playoffs. Gujarat Titans are also through to the next round with one spot remaining. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were the first franchise to confirm their place in the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings still have a chance, but a lot will depend on the outcome of other matches. They will have to win their last league match as well. Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals are still alive.

Player of the Match

Ishan Kishan was named the Player of the Match for scoring 70 runs off 47 balls, laced with 7 boundaries and 3 sixes.

FAQs – Yesterday’s CSK vs SRH Match 63 IPL 2026

Q1: Who won yesterday’s CSK vs SRH match?

A1:  SRH defeated CSK by 5 wickets in Chennai.

Q2: Who was the Player of the Match in the CSK vs SRH match?

A2: Ishan Kishan was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Q3: What was the final score of yesterday’s match?

A3: CSK vs SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad 181 for 5 (Kishan 70, Klaasen 47, Choudhary 2-36)

Chennai Super Kings 180 for 7 (Brevis 44, Cummins 3-28, Sakib 2-34)