IPL 2021: MS Dhoni steers CSK to IPL playoffs with a maximum
MS Dhoni did what he does the best.
Chennai Super Kings are a different team altogether in the ongoing season of the IPL. They lacked teeth and killer instinct to compete with teams in the last season. As a result, they finished 7th in the group stage points table.
However, that hasn’t been the case this season. CSK lost only two games – against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Apart from those two defeats, they looked literally unstoppable this season. The yellow brigade won as many as 9 games in the 14th edition.
CSK locked horns with Sunrises Hyderabad at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Batting first, SRH managed to pile up 134/7 in their quota of 20 overs. SRH got off to a sluggish start and played into the hands of CSK more often than not.
Kane Williamson scored 44 runs off 46 deliveries where he hit a solitary four followed by two hits over the fence. Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer for CSK as he led the bowling unit by example. The Australian registered 3/24 in 4 overs.
Dwayne Bravo also bowled well and maintained a superb economy of 4.20. He conceded 17 runs in four overs. In reply, SRH bowlers did a terrific job by mounting pressure on the CSK batsmen. The game was stretched to the last over.
MS Dhoni hits a vintage six to help CSK qualify for the playoffs
The three-time IPL champions aced the run-chase with 2 balls to spare. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 45 off 38 balls including 4 fours and 2 sixes. Faf du Plessis managed to score 41 off 36 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes. CSK were under pressure after losing the set batsmen.
However, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni ensured to steer the team to the comfort zone. Rayudu scored 17 off 13 balls where he hit a four and a six. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni didn’t really look comfortable at all as he played out too many dot balls.
However, there came a moment when CSK required 2 off the last four balls. MS Dhoni launched the ball into the stands off Sidharth Kaul. Thus CSK became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2021 playoffs. They will take on Rajasthan Royals tomorrow in Dubai.
Watch the video:
https://twitter.com/MaiRubinakifan/status/1443784395391864836
