SA-born opener Devon Conway hit a third consecutive IPL half-century as the Chennai Super Kings beat the Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets on Friday.

The Sunrisers managed just 134-7 after being sent in to bat in Chennai and Ravindra Jadeja’s four-over spell for the Super Kings choked their innings before it could get going.

Opener Abhishek Sharma was the one bright spot for Hyderabad with 34 off 26 balls before the home town’s spinners applied the squeeze.

Harry Brook, who scored this IPL’s first century two innings ago, only managed 18 off 13 balls.

Apart from Sharma, only No 3 batsman Rahul Tripathi crossed the 20-run mark for Hyderabad.

Skipper MS Dhoni put on a clinic behind the stumps, snapping up Aiden Markram (12) before stumping Mayank Agarwal. Later he also ran out Washington Sundar, overcoming a troublesome knee injury.

The hosts eased to 138-3 in reply with eight balls to spare as Conway finished undefeated on 77 from 57 balls with 12 fours and a six, although the capacity home crowd were a little disappointed at not getting to see Dhoni at the crease.

Speculation is rife that this tournament will be the beloved 41-year-old’s last, but Dhoni could return to his home ground next month with Chennai now third on the table.

© Agence France-Presse