Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 27 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match, thanks to a superb all-round performance by Ravindra Jadeja. After CSK posted a respectable total of 167/8 in their 20 overs, Jadeja played a crucial role in restricting DC to 140/8 with his bowling and fielding efforts.
Jadeja, who has been in good form this season, joked about how he keeps hearing chants for skipper MS Dhoni and how the crowd wants him to get out when he bats higher up the order. However, his contribution with the bat and ball has been crucial for CSK’s success this season. In 12 matches and eight innings, he has scored 113 runs and taken 16 wickets, winning three ‘Man of the Match awards in the process.
CSK’s batting effort was a collective one, with no batter reaching the 30-run mark. Contributions came from Ruturaj Gaikwad (24), Ajinkya Rahane (21), Shivam Dube (25), Ambati Rayadu (23), Jadeja (21), and Dhoni (20). Mitchell Marsh was the pick of the bowlers for DC, taking 3/18 in his three overs, while Axar Patel got 2/27 in his four overs.
In reply, DC’s top order failed once again and was reduced to 25/3. However, Rilee Rossouw (35) and Manish Pandey (27) put on a 59-run stand to bring them back into the game. But with the escalating run rate, DC lost wickets in the middle overs and was unable to chase down the target. Axar Patel played a useful cameo of 21 runs, but it wasn’t enough.
Matheesha Pathirana was the pick of the bowlers for CSK, taking 3/37, while Deepak Chahar took 2/28 in his three overs. Jadeja also took a wicket, and his outstanding performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match award.
With this win, CSK moved up to second place in the IPL 2023 points table with seven wins, four losses, and a total of 15 points. DC, on the other hand, is still struggling at the bottom of the table with only four wins and seven losses, and eight points to their name.
