IPL 2018: Match 5, CSK v KKR – Five Game-Changing Moments
Dec 23, 2018 at 10:57 AM
The Indian Premier League caravan moved to the city of Chennai, as the ‘yellow army’ welcomed their stars of the Chennai Super Kings after a two-year hiatus.
Andre Russell was the show-stopper in the first innings with his explosive knock. But it was the hosts who had too much firepower on top and right at the bottom from Sam Billings.
CSK, with this five wicket win over KKR, now has two wins in two games in the tournament. Here are the five game-changing moments of the match.
1. Raina’s on-field brilliance
The China Thala of Chennai seemed raring to go right from the first ball on CSK’s comeback trail. Raina’s fielding was simply electric, as he affected the dismissals of the dangerous Narine and the ever so consistent, Robin Uthappa.
CSK’s retained player, Raina proved why he is such an asset to the team, as he plucked a skier and then displayed exceptional skills by the direct hit which broke the back of KKR’s top order.
2. KKR batsmen flattering to deceive
All top four KKR batsmen gave away their wickets after getting starts. The likes of Lynn, Narine, Uthappa, and Rana looked good at the crease in a visibly flat batting surface.
None of the batsmen managed to remain at the crease for the final few overs which added massive pressure on Russell and captain Dinesh Karthik.
3. The Andre Russell Show
At 89-5, things were looking gloomy for the visitors. However, against the run of play, Jamaican powerhouse, Andre Russell, dominated the proceedings to take the score over 200.
The West Indian giant smashed 88 off just 36 deliveries coming in at number seven, which consisted of 11 sixes and one boundary. One of the hits even cleared the Chepauk Stadium.
4. Old is Gold: CSK motto
Much was talked about Shane Watson and the rest of the 30+ aged members in the CSK squad. However, the 19-ball 42 Watson scored along with Ambati Rayudu, proved that ‘Old is Gold’ is the new motto for the men in yellow.
Rayudu scored a flashy knock of 39 which came off just 25 deliveries. The aged stars of the IPL helped CSK knock out 75 of the required total in the six overs of powerplay.
5. Sam Billings’ making his presence felt
The match was going out of reach for the Chennai Super Kings at the latter end of the game. However, Sam Billings exhibited his skills under pressure with his 23-ball 56, which took the limelight from Russell.
For the CSK, the finishing touch was provided by the Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja who scored the final 20 runs.
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