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Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had to suffer a six-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 edition, on March 26 (Saturday).
IPL points table
With this win, KKR currently lead the points table as they have bagged two points after winning the first match, The Kolkata-based franchise currently have a net run rate (NRR) of +0.639. On the other hand, the Ravindra Jadeja-led CSK side are currently at tenth position in the IPL standings with a net run rate of -0.639.
In the IPL 2022 season opener, Kolkata Knight Riders decided to bowl first. The decision seemed to pay off as CSK could not start their batting on a positive note after their two opening batsmen departed within first five overs. Indian batter Robin Uthappa (28 runs off 21 balls) managed somehow to get things under control.
Later, skipper Ravindra Jadeja (26 not out off 28 balls) and former skipper MS Dhoni (50 runs not out 38 balls) helped their side in reaching a respectable total of 131/5 in 20 overs.
Notably, this was Dhoni’s first half-century after 28 IPL innings. The former CSK skipper also broke Rahul Dravid’s record to become the oldest Indian cricketer (40 years and 262 days) to hit an IPL half-century.
For KKR, their Indian pacer Umesh Yadav scalped two wickets as Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell bagged one wicket each.
KKR's run chase
In reply, the Shreyas Iyer-led side started the run chase on a positive note as their opening batsman Ajinkya Rahane started batting confidently. Eventually, the veteran Indian batsman went on to score 44 runs off 34 balls.
Later, skipper Shreyas Iyer (20 not out off 19 balls) and Sam Billings (25 runs off 22 balls) helped their side in scripting a six-wicket win in the opening game of the 15th season of the IPL.
For CSK, their West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo picked up three wickets but his supreme bowling skills eventually turned out to be futile as the defending champions had to concede a defeat.
On March 27 (Sunday), Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) and in the second clash of the day, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Punjab Kings.
