Sunrisers Hyderabad had plenty to celebrate on Friday night -- a clinical five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings, their first-ever IPL triumph at Chepauk and a bowling performance to remember. Yet, amid the on-field action -- a brief moment in the stands grabbed just as many eyeballs.
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During the 16th over of SRH’s inings, Kamindu Mendis got a golden chance to swing freely after CSK’s Noor Ahmad overstepped. But Mendis -- who was on 15 at the time -- missed the free hit completely.
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He attempted a big slog at a tossed-up delivery outside off but the ball spun away and beat him, resulting in a dot. The real show, though, came right after.
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WATCH: Kavya Maran's viral reaction after Kamindu Mendis misses free hit
As cameras panned to team CEO Kavya Maran, her reaction said it all -- a mix of shock, frustration and disbelief. Her animated expression instantly spread on social media across platforms.
Edge-of-the-seat drama! 😱🔥#NoorAhmad oversteps, but #KaminduMendis can’t cash in on the free hit! Tension through the roof! 😵💫
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 25, 2025
Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/uCvJbWec8a#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvSRH | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/bWQlW9VEna
Mendis stayed calm and guided SRH home with an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls eventually, alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy (19*). The duo had no hiccups in the final stretch as SRH wrapped up the chase with eight balls to spare.
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The win was backed by a top bowling display earlier in the night. Harshal Patel’s clever bowling got him 4 for 28 while captain Pat Cummins kept things tight with 2 for 21.
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“Our record against CSK isn’t that great so it’s good to fix that one up. We wish we finished that more comfortably, but overall, happy with that win.”