IPL 2019: Rashid Khan congratulates Suresh Raina for completing 5000 runs

Afghanistan and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) star Rashid Khan congratulated Suresh Raina after the latter achieved an incredible milestone in IPL on Saturday. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their title-defence with a convincing seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The MS Dhoni-led side were all over the helpless visitors throughout the game.

Dhoni’s decision to bowl first on a sluggish Chepauk track turned out to be a good one as the RCB batsmen struggled to get going. Even the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers failed to bail the team out of trouble as they were all out for a paltry 70. Only one player – Parthiv Patel – managed to breach the two-digit mark, scoring 29.

For the Super Kings, their decision to play with three spinners paid off as the trioka of Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja collectively picked up 8 wickets.

While Harbhajan picked up 3 for 20 and Tahir picked up 3 for 9, Jadeja returned with figures of 2 for 15. In reply, the Super Kings batsmen also struggled to time their shots. In-form Shane Watson departed even without opening his account. However, with just 71 runs to chase, the Super Kings managed to cross the line in the 18th over at the loss of three wickets.

After the game, Raina took to Twitter to express his delight over the fine start to the campaign, writing, Playing and #winning at home ground is always a special feeling! What a way to start @IPL. #WellDoneLions @ChennaiIPL #CSKvRCB #WhistlePodu #Yellove

Rashid and Raina indulge in conversation

Rashid Khan was quick to notice Suresh Raina’s tweet and congratulated him for his personal milestone. Raina became the first player to score 5,000 runs in IPL during his 19-run knock against the Bangalore-based outfit. “Many many congratulations 5000 Runs bhai jan,” Rashid wrote.  Raina was quick to return the favour, writing, “Thanks bhai jaan.”

Rashid, meanwhile, will have his own chance of impressing on Sunday when his side Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.

Here’s Sunrisers Hyderabad full squad for IPL 2019:

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