Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took a substantial lead in the points table, as they beat Delhi Daredevils (DD) by 13 runs in a high-scoring encounter at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
As a result, CSK extended their lead at the top with six wins from eight games.
Meanwhile, batting first, the home team posted a staggering 211 runs on the board. The opening duo of Shane Watson (78) and Faf du Plessis (33) set the perfect tone for the home team.
MS Dhoni (51*) and Ambati Rayadu (41) played a cameo to take the score over 200.
However, in reply, Delhi lost Prithvi Shaw early to KM Asif. Moreover, debutant Asif removed Colin Munro shortly, who was looking dangerous. Rishabh Pant, however, gave a valiant effort scoring 79 runs off 45 deliveries but went in vain. They once again suffered, as their overseas recruits failed to make useful contributions.
The Super Kings bowlers did an outstanding job of containing runs in the middle-overs and tightening things up, as restricted Delhi for 198 runs.
Here is the players rating:
Shane Watson: (8/10)
The veteran all-rounder from Australia has been phenomenal so far in this edition of the tournament. Watson gave a perfect start, as he registered 78 runs off just 40 balls including four boundaries and seven sixes.
However, with the ball, he was a bit expensive giving away 27 runs in his two overs.
Ambati Rayudu: (8.5/10)
Although Rayadu got demoted in the batting order, he continued his run-scoring spree. He chipped in with a quickfire 41 off just 24 balls, as Chennai went past the 200-run mark.
Meanwhile, so far, he has been a revelation for the Super Kings and will look to continue doing so.
Suresh Raina: (1/10)
The experienced southpaw failed to impress, as he departed in the second ball of Glenn Maxwell. Raina will look to hit the form and contribute to CSK’s success in the upcoming fixtures.
Faf du Plessis: (6/10)
Faf du Plessis played a good hand in his first game. He played the second hand while Watson hammered from the other end. He played a responsible run a ball knock of 33 runs including three fours and one six.
MS Dhoni (c & wk): (10/10)
Dhoni’s form will be a huge boost for the Chennai team in the latter stages of the tournament. He once again showed his class taking the total over the 200-run mark with some mighty blows.
Dhoni remained unbeaten on 51 runs from 22 balls including five towering sixes and two boundaries.
Ravindra Jadeja: (6/10)
The left-arm orthodox spinner bowled some tight overs in the middle restricting the free flow of runs. Jadeja returned with one for 31 in his full quota. However, he didn’t get the opportunity to bat, as Dhoni had the strike with himself.
Dwayne Bravo: (2/10)
The all-rounder from the Windies had an off day in business, as he went for plenty with the ball. Bravo gave away 43 runs in three overs, as Pant ripped him off. However, he will look to put an improved performance in the next games.
Karn Sharma: (2/10)
The leg-spinning all-rounder had no part to play in this game, as Dhoni didn’t use him. However, he grabbed the crucial catch of Colin Munro, who was starting to look dangerous.
Harbhajan Singh: (6/10)
In a batting paradise, the veteran off-spinner was brilliant. Although he didn’t bag any wickets, he contained the run flow from one end to create pressure on the batsmen. Harbhajan returned with none for 26 in his four overs.
Lungi Ngidi: (7.5/10)
The fast bowler from South Africa had a stunning debut in the coveted T20 league. Ngidi, who impressed everyone during the recently concluded India series returned with one for 26 in his full quota.
However, he will look to pick more wickets with the new ball in the next fixture.
KM Asif: (7/10)
The young pacer claimed two crucial wickets with the new ball, however, went for plenty. Asif returned with two for 43 in his three overs. Meanwhile, he will look to put a superlative effort in the next game.
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