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The 13th match of the IPL 2024 saw the glimpse of vintage MS Dhoni but to only see Chennai Super Kings (CSK) going down to Delhi Capitals (DC) by 20 runs in Vizag on March 31. Dhoni cracked a lightning 16-ball 37 but CSK fell short by 20 runs in a chase of 192. In the end, its was Rishabh Pant and David Warner's half-centurion knocks which trumped over Dhoni's late blitz. With this DC recorded their first win of the 17th season of the IPL.
CSK's chase falters despite Dhoni's late heroics
Chasing a challenging 192 set by Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings got off to a disastrous start. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (1) and Rachin Ravindra (2) were dismissed cheaply by Khaleel Ahmed, putting CSK on the backfoot early. Despite the early setbacks, Ajinkya Rahane (45) played a crucial knock, anchoring the innings with some crisp shots. He found support from Daryl Mitchell (34), and the duo stitched together a 68-run partnership, offering a glimmer of hope for CSK. However, both batsmen departed soon after, leaving CSK in a precarious position at 120/6.
With the required run-rate climbing, Shivam Dube (18) and Sameer Rizvi struggled to find momentum. It was then that the experienced duo of MS Dhoni (37) and Ravindra Jadeja (21) stepped up, fighting valiantly to keep CSK in the game. Their late surge brought them closer to the target, but it ultimately proved insufficient. CSK fell short by 20 runs, ending their innings at 171/6 and suffering their first loss of the season.
Rishabh Pant's late surge helps DC post big total
Earlier, DC posted a competitive 191/5 against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, thanks to a strong opening partnership and a late blitz from Rishabh Pant. Openers David Warner and Prithvi Shaw laid a solid foundation for the Capitals, stitching together a 93-run stand. Warner, in top form, continued his scoring spree with a blistering 52 off 35 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. This knock not only propelled him to his 110th T20 fifty but also helped him equal Chris Gayle's record for most fifty-plus scores in T20 cricket. Shaw, playing his first match of the season, also showed glimpses of his talent, contributing a well-made 43 off 27 balls. His knock included two sixes and four boundaries.
However, just as the momentum seemed to be firmly with Delhi, Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana produced a sensational catch to dismiss Warner. This dismissal proved to be a turning point, as Pathirana followed it up with two quick wickets in three balls – Mitchell Marsh and Tristan Stubbs – leaving Delhi at a precarious 134/4 after 15 overs.
Despite initial struggles in his previous innings, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant, returning from a serious injury, stepped up to the occasion. He played a crucial knock of 51 off just 32 balls, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. This aggressive innings provided much-needed impetus for the middle order and pushed Delhi's score close to the 200-run mark.
Earlier, the Delhi openers capitalised on some wayward bowling from Deepak Chahar in the powerplay. Warner, in particular, targeted Chahar's bowling, hitting two sixes and two boundaries in a single over, helping Delhi reach a commanding 42 runs in the powerplay. Shaw too joined the party, hammering three consecutive fours off Mustafizur Rahman in the final over of the powerplay. This aggressive batting display resulted in Delhi posting their highest powerplay score of the season – a staggering 62/0.
While Chennai Super Kings managed to pick up some crucial wickets in the middle overs, Pant's late surge and contributions from the top order ensured Delhi Capitals set a challenging target for their opponents.
Now, CSK will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 5, while DC will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 3.
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