In what turned out to be a final-ball thriller, former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came up with an uplifting performance, as they tamed fellow former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in Match 49 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Being played in Dubai, CSK overpowered KKR by six wickets.
undefined
While CSK are already out of playoffs contention, KKR can still make it. Meanwhile, defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have become the first team to qualify for the same, officially. Nonetheless, here are the records that were scripted tonight.
undefined
Deepak Chahar's first unwanted since 2018: Chahar has been heavily effective with the ball for CSK this season, especially in the powerplay. However, he could only have figures of 020 tonight, as it was his first instance since 2018 that he has failed to claim a wicket in the PP, in three consecutive matches.
undefined
Couple of firsts for KKR openers: KKR openers Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana contributed to a 53-run opening stand tonight. In the process, this was their first 50-plus opening stand of the season. Also, it was the first time this season that the side did not lose a wicket during the PP.
undefined
Nitish Rana's IPL best: Rana played a sublime knock of 87, as it turned out to be his best knock in the tournament, to date. His previous best was an unbeaten 85, against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), last season.
undefined
Safe during PP: Just like KKR, CSK, too, did not lose any wickets during the PP. As a result, it was the second match this season, where the teams did not lose any during the phase. The other one happened to be between CSK and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Also, KKR have failed to pick up a wicket during the PP for the seventh time in their last eight games.
undefined
Varun Chakravarthy scalps a special one: Chakravarthy was successful in dismissing CSK skipper MS Dhoni for a mere single, as he bowled him out. Consequently, he has become the first spinner the tournament's history to dismiss Dhoni similarly on more than an occasion. Overall, he is the sixth bowler to get Dhoni out twice in a season.
undefined
Rituraj Gaikwad among CSK's best uncapped: Gaikwad played an impressive knock of 72, to help CSK earn the tough win. Nonetheless, he became the highest individual scorer among uncapped players for the side to date, as he bettered his record, of an unbeaten 65, from the last game.
undefined
Ravindra Jadeja joins the elite: It was Jadeja's final ball six that allowed CSK to earn a hard-fought win tonight. In the process, he became the 10th batsman to do so in the tournament, to date.
undefined
Match summary: Winning the toss, CSK skipper MS Dhoni elected to field first. KKR were off to a good start, and courtesy Rana's 87, they managed to post 1725, while Lungi Ngidi claimed 234. In reply, it was CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose unbeaten knock of 80 allowed them to chase the target down, as a final ball six off Ravindra Jadeja did it for them.
undefined