Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continued their winning run, as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KRR) by five wickets in the nail-biting finish.
The Super Kings banked on Sam Billings’ blistering knock to chase down a huge target of 203 runs. However, Ravindra Jadeja finished the job with a towering six off Vinay Kumar, as CSK needed 17 runs from the last over.
Meanwhile, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayadu provided a brilliant start and kept CSK in the hunt. Watson struck a 19-ball 42 while Rayadu scored 39 runs.
However, previously, KKR banked on Andre Russell’s mouth-watering knock to post such a total. The Windies all-rounder struck an unbeaten 88 off just 36 balls to register the 200-run mark in this edition. Moreover, he went all guns blazing and registered 11 sixes and one four.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa also chipped in with useful contributions.
Here is the players rating of CSK:
Shane Watson: (8/10)
The veteran all-rounder from Australia set the perfect tone for Chennai in the run chase. Watson hammered a 19-ball 42 including three fours and three sixes. He also picked two crucial wickets with the ball.
Ambati Rayudu: (6.5/10)
Rayadu along Watson gave Chennai the perfect start they needed to chase such a huge total. The opening batsman played a knock off 39 runs at the start and kept his team in the competition.
Suresh Raina: (4.5/10)
The highest run-getter in IPL is going through a bad patch. After getting in, Raina threw his wicket away irresponsibly. However, CSK will want an inform Raina in the upcoming matches.
Sam Billings: (9/10)
The swashbuckling batsman from England was absolutely brilliant and won the game for his team. He struck 56 off 23 balls, as Chennai closed in on the. His towering sixes ensured Chennai continues the winning run.
MS Dhoni (c & wk): (5.5/10)
Dhoni played a sloppy inning, as he failed to get his timing right. He scored 25 runs off 28 deliveries before getting out at a crucial juncture. However, he was spot on with the team combinations and overseas players.
Ravindra Jadeja: (7/10)
Jadeja struck the winning runs for Chennai based team, as they completed two wins out of two matches.
He finished it off in style with a towering six off Vinay Kumar. Previously, with the ball, he returned with one for 19 in two overs.
Dwayne Bravo: (6/10)
Although Bravo was too wayward with the ball, he did the job with the bat contributing in with some crucial runs. The Windies all-rounder is having a good time with the bat, however, needs to come good with the ball.
Deepak Chahar: (2/10)
It was an off-day for the young fast bowler. After an impressive debut for the Super Kings, Chahar went for runs, as Narine came all guns blazing. Meanwhile, Dhoni removed him from the attack, as he gave away 18 runs from his first over.
Harbhajan Singh: (7/10)
Harbhajan although only bowled two overs but did a good job in the powerplays. He bowled a tight line and length and the wicket of Sunil Narine, who was on fire. Further, Harbhajan gave away 11 runs in his two overs.
Imran Tahir: (6/10)
In a run fest, Tahir was absolutely spot on. The leg-spinner gave only 26 runs in his four overs and kept things tight from his end. However, Dhoni will want wickets from him in the upcoming fixtures.
Shardul Thakur: (5.5/10)
It was a tough day for the bowlers which saw 400 runs scored in 40 overs. However, Thakur was average with the ball claiming one wicket. Moreover, he will look to improve the statistics in his next outing.
