IPL 2018, Match 30, CSK v DD: Watson, Dhoni Heroics Give Chennai 13 Runs Victory Over Delhi

It was a professional performance by the Chennai Super Kings, as they registered a 13 runs victory against the Delhi Daredevils in the 30^th match of the tournament at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

Shane Watson struck a superb knock of 78 runs in just 40 deliveries which set Chennai a sensational foundation for the launching pad. CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni continued his brilliant form in the season so far.

He remained unbeaten 51 off just 22 deliveries which included a couple of fours and five sixes. Delhi lost Prithvi Shaw pretty early. Wickets kept falling a consistent basis, as Delhi got reduced to 74/4.

However, from there, it was a superb inning from Rishabh Pant which kept Delhi in the game. After his dismissal, Chennai was the firm favourites, but Vijay Shankar kept Delhi interested with some lusty blows. He scored a well-deserved half-century.

However, the target proved to be way too much, as Delhi fell short by 13 runs in the end.

Batting first, Chennai got off to a sensational start. Ambati Rayudu who had a terrific time, as an opener was pushed down the order to accommodate Faf du Plessis in the opening slot with Shane Watson. They began spectacularly. Watson, in particular, was in ominous touch and smashed four fours and seven sixes during his quickfire knock of 78 off just 40 deliveries.

He took on the Delhi bowlers with utter disdain and never looked in any discomfort what so ever. It was flawless hitting. On the other hand, du Plessis found it a bit difficult to get going. However, he played the supporting role to perfection and shared a 103 runs stand. It was Vijay Shankar who provided the maiden breakthrough in the form of Du Plessis’ wicket.

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Suresh Raina was also dismissed pretty early, as Chennai was reduced to 103/2. Watson after smashing a few big hits was dismissed by Amit Mishra. It was a much-needed wicket at that situation of the match.

Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni were and looked well set to take them t a big total. Skipper Dhoni continued his terrific run in the tournament. He started smashing sixes at will from the outset. Captain Cool deposited Trent Boult for a couple of brilliant sixes which. He reached a well-deserved fifty in just 22 deliveries.

It was carnage on display by the sensational hitter which eventually helped Chennai post a mammoth total of 211. Delhi needed a brilliant start to begin with.

18-year-old Prithvi Shaw began fluently by smashing a couple of boundaries. However, he was dismissed soon after by KM Asif, the debutant in the CSK team. Shreyas Iyer walked out in the middle to join Colin Munro. The latter despite missing quite a few in the first over struck some magnificent blows.

His 26 came off just 16 deliveries which included three fours and a couple of sixes. Skipper Shreyas Iyer was run out in the most unfortunate of circumstances. He needed to be there. However, Rishabh Pant was still there. He has proved with his hitting in the past, and even today the southpaw played a special knock. It was brilliant hitting by the ‘Pocket Sized Dynamo” which kept Delhi in the game till the very last over.

He smashed seven fours and four sixes during his sensational 78 which came in just 44 deliveries. After his dismissal, Chennai looked in command of proceedings. However, Vijay Shankar kept things interested after smashing three sixes and a four in the penultimate over of Dwayne Bravo. It was superb hitting. He also smashed a six of the last over off Lungi Ngidi.

However, the target was way too much as they fell short by 13 runs.

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Brief Scores

Chennai Super Kings 211/4 (Shane Watson 78, MS Dhoni 51*, Glenn Maxwell 1/5)

Delhi Daredevils 198/5 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 78, Vijay Shankar 51, KM Asif 2/43)

Chennai Super Kings won by 13 runs