IPL 2021, Match 44: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Rutaraj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis hit quickfire runs to see Chennai Super Kings to a six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad and become the first side into the Indian Premier League playoffs. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

The hard hitting openers put on 75 for the first wicket as Chennai reached 139/4 with two balls to spare after Hyderabad were restricted to 134/7. (BCCI/IPL Photo)

Hyderabad were put in to bat and immediately suffered with Jason Roy going for two and captain Kane Williamson for 11. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Wriddhiman Saha's 44 off 46 balls kept the Hyderabad innings alive. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

But once Saha was caught by Dhoni off Ravindra Jadeja, Hyderabad slowed and never looked likely to set a target to seriously challenge Chennai. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Gaikwad hit 45 off 38 balls and Du Plessis 41 from 36 balls to set the three-time champions on the road to the key victory. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Captain MS Dhoni hit a six to complete the win in Sharjah. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)

Chennai now lead the eight-team table with 18 points from 11 games, two ahead of Delhi Capitals, and are guaranteed a place in the four playoff spots. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)