The Chennai Super Kings began (CSK) their 2024 IPL season with a thrilling victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match. RCB scored a competitive 173 with the contribution of Anuj Rawat’s stunning performance of 48 off just 25 balls at the end of the inning. Dinesh Karthik added a late finish at the crease for RCB. Mustafizur Rahman took four wickets for CSK including a crucial double-wicket over that interrupted the RCB’s momentum.
Faf du Plessis gave CSK a flying start by hitting 35 off 23 deliveries including eight fours. However, CSK found themselves in trouble after losing wickets on a frequent basis. Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, provided a solid 37 to lead the innings. It appeared that RCB would run away with the game but the turning point occurred in the last overs.
When 13 runs were needed from the last two overs, Shivam Dube changed the game in CSK’s favor. He hit Alzarri Joseph for a six and a four on consecutive deliveries in the 18th over. CSK managed to sneak in a leg-bye on the 4th ball of the 18th over to secure a heart-stopping victory. This results in RCB’s poor start to the season.
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Batting Highlights: RCB
- Anuj Rawat: The young opener played an explosive knock of 48 including four fours and three sixes. His aggression at the end of the inning powered RCB to a respectable total.
- Dinesh Karthik: Karthik with his experience provided a crucial cameo at the end.
- Faf du Plessis: The former RCB skipper set the tone for the chase with a rapid start, peppering the boundaries early.
Highlights: CSK
- Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja played a crucial role in anchoring the chase and keeping CSK in contention through the middle overs.
- Shivam Dube: Dube emerged as the hero by hitting those crucial boundaries off the first two balls in the 18th over.
- Mustafizur Rahman’s Bowling: The Bangladeshi pacer was the standout bowler ending with figures of 4-29.
Turning Points
- Mustafizur Rahman’s wickets: Rahman’s double-wicket over including the dismissals of Virat Kohli and Cameron Green.
- Shivam Dube’s sixes: His two consecutive sixes off Alzarri Joseph in the 18th over changed the entire complexion of the game.
- The final leg-bye: The scrambled leg-bye off the last ball sealed a dramatic victory for CSK.
This dramatic opening match sets the tone for an explosive IPL season. The Chennai Super Kings will be pleased to begin with a win particularly against familiar adversaries RCB but the Royal Challengers will regret spent opportunities to take the game away from CSK.