Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Moeen Ali showcased his class with the bat in their final game of the IPL 2022 season against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday.
Batting first after winning the toss, Ruturaj Gaikwad fell early to the impressive Trent Bount. Moeen walked in with a set gameplan and began his assault in Prasidh Krishna’s second over.
He hit three fours and a six to get the ball rolling and never looked back. After scoring a massive six off Ravichandran Ashwin, Moeen set his eyes on Boult’s third over in the powerplay.
He whipped the first delivery over square leg for a six before following it up with five boundaries, ending the powerplay on a high and taking CSK to 75/1. However, things drastically changed after the field restrictions were lifted.
Wickets began to tumble with Ashwin breaking Devon Conway and Moeen’s partnership. Ambati Rayudu and N Jagadeesan failed and Moeen had to slow down, bearing the responsibility of the innings on his shoulders.
Alongside MS Dhoni, he began rebuilding the innings but the runs dried up completely. Moeen also lost his touch and eventually fell after making 93 runs in 57 balls, studded with 13 fours and 3 maximums.
CSK ended up with just 75 runs in the final 14 overs and made the same amount of runs in the powerplay. A victory for Rajasthan will ensure they finish in the top two.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Moeen Ali’s knock:
Moeen Ali – the lone warrior 🔥 Well played, brother 👏 #CSKvRR #IPL2022
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 20, 2022
Dear Moeen Ali.. He is Trent Boult not any uncapped player.. have some respect. Unbelievable hitting by the southpaw. #CSKvsRR #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/jXdklOjZgj
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) May 20, 2022
Moeen Ali with those loose hands makes shot making so easy. #CSK𓃬
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 20, 2022
What did mo’s bat have for breakfast 🫠
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) May 20, 2022
Moeen Ali makes you think, yeah, why doesn't everyone just hit Trent Boult for six boundaries in an over, why am I sitting here doing this when it's that easy
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) May 20, 2022
If CSK defeat RR by 149+ runs, RCB will overtake RR
Moeen Ali: pic.twitter.com/1STSwhnW0C
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 20, 2022
Moeen Ali is the most underrated stroke player in this current generation of players, his bat swing is just a dream, makes it so easy to hit sixes on the on side
— mister t-man (@techsaturation) May 20, 2022
Dear Moeen Ali.. He is Trent Boult not any uncapped player.. have some respect. Unbelievable hitting by the southpaw. #CSKvsRR #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/jXdklOjZgj
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) May 20, 2022
The beard that's feared! 🏏💣 #MoeenAli #IPL2022 #RRvCSK
— Harry Corish 🏴🇺🇦 (@wizard5563) May 20, 2022
Well played, Moeen Ali – 93 runs from 57 balls, he got to a flying start in the powerplay for CSK. pic.twitter.com/qmSms8YCNM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 20, 2022
Moeen Ali choosing which ball to hit pic.twitter.com/Biz0xG1VwK
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 20, 2022
Moeen Ali such a gentle hitter of the ball. He doesn't want to hurt the ball, but bowler.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 20, 2022
Moeen Ali today : pic.twitter.com/HuVjH1pJel
— Dhoni Army TN™🦁 (@DhoniArmyTN) May 20, 2022
