IPL 2024 – (Match 13) – Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals pulled off a remarkable 20 run victory over the Chennai Super Kings in their first-round fixture on a thrilling Saturday night at Vishakapatnam.
The atmosphere electrified as the Delhi Capitals edged closer to their first victory of the season. However, the spotlight swiftly shifted when MS Dhoni made his grand entrance to the crease for the first time since the previous year’s finale. His presence instantly uplifted the crowd’s spirits as he aggressively dispatched his first delivery for a boundary and continued to dominate, especially notable with an inside-out six that nearly brought the house down.
Despite Chennai Super Kings’ daunting task of needing 46 runs from the last 12 balls, Dhoni’s valiant 37 off 16 balls, including a spree of boundaries and sixes off Anrich Nortje, captivated the fans, leaving them in a frenzy of excitement despite the eventual 20-run shortfall.
Amidst the electrifying batting display, Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant faced a penalty, fined INR 12 lakh for a slow over-rate, marking his first such offense in the IPL 2024 season.
The Capitals set a strong foundation early on, with Prithvi Shaw and David Warner orchestrating a 93-run partnership, highlighted by Shaw’s elegant strokes and Warner’s powerful leg-side play.
Matheesha Pathirana, whose participation was initially uncertain, stunned everyone with a spectacular catch and followed it up with crucial wickets, demonstrating his prowess with the ball.
Pant, after a slow start, exploded into action, targeting Mustafizur Rahman and Pathirana with his trademark power-hitting, propelling the Capitals to a formidable 191 for 5. Khaleel Ahmed’s remarkable spell constrained the Super Kings early on, removing key batsmen and setting the tone for the Capitals’ defense.
Mukesh Kumar’s effective use of wide yorkers in the crucial penultimate over further tightened the noose around the Super Kings, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the final over.
Despite Dhoni’s late heroics, the task proved insurmountable, with the Capitals securing their first win, thanks in part to Warner and Pant’s batting efforts, and the bowling contributions of Khaleel and Mukesh.
Chief Scores:
Delhi Capitals 191 for 5 in 20 overs (David Warner 53, Rishabh Pant 51, Prithvi Shaw 43, Matheesha Pathirana 3 for 31)
Chennai Super Kings 171 for 6 in 20 overs (Ajinka Rahane 45, M.S.Dhoni 37 not out, Daryl Mitchell 34, Mukesh Kumar 3 for 21, Khaleel Ahmed 2 for 21)
Player of the Match – Khaleel Ahmed
