IPL 2018, CSK vs KKR: Hits and Misses
Another CSK game, another thriller! The Chepauk was filled with a sea of yellow as the IPL finally returned to Chennai after almost three years.
In the fifth game of this IPL, Chennai Super Kings won the toss and put Kolkata Knight Riders into bat first. KKR began with a bang as Sunil Narine struck 2 sixes in the first over.
But CSK slowly clawed their way back in the game as they kept taking wickets at regular intervals and reduced KKR to 89/5. But a blistering innings from Russell (88 off just 36 balls) took KKR to 202.
Chasing a big score, Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson added 75 in just 35 balls and set the tone for Chennai’s chase. But some tight overs from Kolkata brought them back in the game as they picked up a couple of quick wickets.
Suresh Raina’s cramps and Dhoni’s struggle meant the required run-rate climbed up. However, a superb innings from Sam Billings (where he scored 56 in just 23 balls) brought the run-chase back to life. But his dismissal in the 19th over meant CSK needed 17 off the final over.
Vinay Kumar bowled the last over and got hit for a six (which was also a no-ball) off the first delivery. And then Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja nudged around for 1s and 2s before Jadeja hit a magnificent six to deal the game for CSK. It was the second consecutive game where they have managed to come from behind and win the game.
#5 Miss: MS Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been under fire in T20 cricket. He has been criticized for his style of play as he takes his time before going after the bowlers. Hence, he tends to use up deliveries.
He failed to fire in the first game this season as he managed just 5. In the second game, chasing 203, CSK got off to a flying start scoring 75 in the powerplay.
Walking out to bat at No. 4, Dhoni struggled to get going in the early part of his innings. He was batting on 9 off 17 deliveries at one stage before he hit Kuldeep Yadav for a four and a six to bring down the required run-rate.
However, just when one felt those were the shots that he needed to get going, he couldn’t get another boundary and was eventually dismissed for a sluggish 28-ball 25.