Chennai Super Kings (CSK) banked on a vintage MS Dhoni knock to thump the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by five wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Batting first, the home team posted a massive 205 runs on the board banking AB de Villiers (68) and Quinton de Kock (53). The South African pair added 103 runs as it set the platform for a huge total.
However, it was a late cameo from Mandeep Singh that ensured Bangalore cross the 200 run mark. The Chennai bowlers came back strongly in the latter half of the game to restrict within 205.
In reply, Chennai didn’t have a brilliant start as they lost Shane Watson in the first over. However, Ambati Rayadu ensured that they are well on par with the asking rate. Rayadu (82) has been in outstanding touch and proved it once again.
However, it was the MS Dhoni show that saw the visitors home without any trouble. Dhoni remained unbeaten 70 runs off just 34 deliveries including one four and seven sixes.
As a result, CSK will crawl back to the top position in the points table.
Here is the players rating of the Chennai team:
Shane Watson: (3.5/10)
The experienced all-rounder from Australia had an off day in business after having a really good start to this tournament.
Watson was a bit expensive with the ball and failed to provide a good start in this game.
Ambati Rayudu: (8.5/10)
Rayadu has been sensational in his new job as an opener since the start of the tournament. He has been consistent with the bat for Chennai.
Once again he has provided a superlative effort scoring 82 runs off 53 deliveries.
Suresh Raina: (4.5/10)
The southpaw failed to capitalise on the start as he departed scoring 11 runs off 9 balls.
However, he would like to make it up in the next outing.
Sam Billings: (4/10)
Although he failed with the bat, Billing took an outstanding catch at the boundary to stop AB de Villiers‘ carnage.
However, he will like to come back t form and contribute to Chennai’s success.
MS Dhoni (c & wk): (10/10)
Dhoni proved his class once again as he took his team over the rope with ease. He was at his usual best scoring 70 runs off just 34 deliveries including one four and seven sixes.
His form will be a huge boost for the Chennai as the tournament enters to its business end.
Dwayne Bravo: (7/10)
Bravo made an all-round contribution to the team’s success. He claimed two for 33 including one maiden before hitting a four and six in the last over to see his team through.
The all-rounder from Windies has already made his presence felt in this tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja: (3.5/10)
The all-rounder had a poor outing against the Challenger. He went for 22 runs in two overs as he got a good beating from de Villiers.
Jadeja also failed with the bat scoring three runs off five balls as he came up early in to bat.
Harbhajan Singh: (3/10)
The veteran off-spinner also had a poor game as he went for 24 runs in his two overs.
Chennai will want an inform Harbhajan to take over the proceeding of Chennai’s spin department.
Deepak Chahar: (4/10)
After having an outstanding start to this edition, the young fast bowler was expensive for the first time in this tournament. He got a good hammering Kohli and de Kock.
Chahar wet for 20 runs in two overs as Dhoni didn’t complete his full quota.
Shardul Thakur: (5/10)
Although Thakur went for 46 runs in his four overs, he bagged two crucial wickets. The young fast bowler will take this a learning curve and come back stronger in the next game.
Imran Tahir: (6/10)
The South African leg-spinner had a good time with the ball picking two wickets for 35 runs in his four overs.
Tahir claimed two crucial wickets in the middle to restrict Bangalore from going out of control.
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