30 May 2023

Conway leads Chennai to IPL title

8:46 am on 30 May 2023
Devon Conway of Chennai Super Kings

Devon Conway top scored for Chennai with 47 off 25 balls. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Black Caps batter Devon Conway has played a leading hand in helping the Chennai Super Kings to the IPL title.

The match went down to the last ball with the Stephen Fleming coached Chennai scoring a boundary off the final delivery to beat Gujurat Titans by five wickets in the final in Ahmedabad.

"It's a real caravan of cricket, and it comes down to the last two balls, and you're just sitting and watching. You age quickly when that happens," the former Black Caps skipper told Sky Sport.

Fleming said his side was a little bit short in the bowling department to start, and Deshpande stepped up.

"Pathirana gave us a sting in the tail in the end overs."

Batting first the Titans posted 214 for five in their 20 overs but rain reduced the Super Kings innings to 15 overs and a revised total of 171 to win under the Duckworth Lewis Stern system.

Sai Sudharsan's 96 had helped put the Titans in a commanding position before rain led to a lengthy delay before the Super Kings' innings was reduced to 15 overs.

That meant they needed 171 to win, which they achieved on the final ball to settle a thrilling encounter.

Opening the batting Conway continued the good form he has shown in the competition top scoring for Chennai with 47 off 25 balls.

"I was just thinking positive intent, swing for the hills. It's been great batting alongside Rutu, such a clean hitter of the ball," Conway told Sky Sport.

"Our partnership has worked really well, left-right combination, and we enjoy our time together. I think this environment is really good. We've got some top players, gives me the oportunity to speak to them about batting and learn so much."

Stephen Fleming, coach of Chennai Superkings.

Chennai coach and foemr Black Cap skipper Stephen Fleming. Photo: PHOTOSPORT