Delhi Capitals Outfox Chennai Super Kings by 20 Runs

The Delhi Capitals (DC) registered their first win of the season with a thrilling 20-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on March 31st.

Warner lays the foundation for DC

Opting to bat first, DC got off to a flying start thanks to a blistering knock by David Warner (52 off 35 balls). Warner smashed three sixes and five fours before being dismissed by a stunning one-handed catch from Matheesha Pathirana. Wickets fell steadily thereafter, but Rishabh Pant’s (34 off 28 balls) crucial knock ensured DC posted a competitive total of 180/8 on the board. Mukesh Choudhary (3-21) was the pick of the CSK bowlers, picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs.

Early blows hurt CSK chase

In reply, CSK’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, cheaply to Khaleel Ahmed (2-27). Ambati Rayudu (38 off 29 balls) and Shivam Dube (32 off 25 balls) tried to revive the innings with a fighting partnership. However, DC bowlers kept chipping away with wickets at regular intervals.

Dhoni’s late blitz falls short

MS Dhoni (37* off 16 balls) provided a late glimmer of hope for CSK with a quickfire cameo in the final over. He smashed four boundaries and a six off Anrich Nortje, but it was too little, too late. CSK eventually fell short by 20 runs, managing only 161/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Key performers:

• DC: David Warner (52 off 35 balls), Khaleel Ahmed (2-27), Mukesh Choudhary (3-21)
• CSK: MS Dhoni (37* off 16 balls)