In a riveting clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced their first defeat, succumbing to a 20-run loss against Delhi Capitals (DC). The match, held on Sunday, witnessed a captivating performance from CSK’s veteran MS Dhoni, whose late onslaught of 37 runs off just 16 balls entertained the crowd but ultimately couldn’t steer CSK to victory.
Delhi Capitals, eager for their first win of the season, put up a formidable total of 191/5 on the board after opting to bat first. The opening pair of Prithvi Shaw and David Warner set the tone with a blazing 93-run partnership. Shaw contributed 43 runs off 27 balls, laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes, before CSK’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him in the 11th over. Warner, on the other hand, played a splendid innings of 52 runs from 35 balls, featuring 5 fours and 3 sixes, before departing.
Following the openers’ dismissal, DC skipper Rishabh Pant took charge, guiding the innings with a well-composed knock. Pant’s innings of 51 runs off 32 balls, embellished with 4 fours and 3 sixes, ensured DC crossed the 190-run mark. However, the middle order didn’t quite fire, with players like Mitchell Marsh (18 runs off 12 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (0 runs off 2 balls) failing to make substantial contributions against the CSK bowling attack.
CSK’s bowlers, notably Matheesha Pathirana, turned up the heat with crucial wickets. Pathirana’s impressive spell saw him dismiss Marsh and Stubbs in the 15th over, applying pressure on DC’s middle order. The Sri Lankan pacer’s third scalp came in the 19th over when he removed Pant, who had been anchoring the innings.
In response, CSK’s chase started on a shaky note as Khaleel Ahmed, representing DC, struck early to remove the opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra for 1 and 2 runs, respectively. However, Ajinkya Rahane (45 runs off 30 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (34 runs off 26 balls) steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership. Their efforts aimed to keep CSK in the game, but Axar Patel’s breakthrough by dismissing Mitchell and Mukesh Kumar’s removal of Rahane tilted the match in DC’s favor.
Despite Shivam Dube and Sameer Rizvi’s efforts, CSK fell short of the target. Dhoni’s late surge, scoring 20 runs off Anrich Nortje in the final over, provided a thrilling spectacle for the fans but wasn’t enough to secure victory.
The highlight of the match, however, was the buzz created by Dhoni’s cameo innings. Even Dhoni’s wife, Sakshi, was swept up in the excitement, posting on Instagram that she momentarily thought CSK had won the match after witnessing her husband’s heroics. Dhoni’s innings, which earned him the ‘Electric Striker of the Match’ award, left the crowd buzzing and conveyed a sense of victory despite the result.
With this win, Delhi Capitals notched their first victory of the IPL 2024 season, while CSK experienced their first setback. The match showcased thrilling performances from both sides, promising more excitement and competitiveness as the IPL season progresses.
