IPL 2021 Qualifiers 1: CSK enter the finals with a thrilling win

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 Chennai Super Kings proved their worth as they defeated Delhi Capitals in the first qualifier played at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.

CSK captain MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to field first. It was a flying start by Prithvi Shaw putting the pressure on CSK opening bowlers right from the word go. Josh Hazlewood got the opening breakthrough dismissing in-form Dhawan that bounced and was caught by Dhoni. Shaw showed aggressive intent against Shardul Thakur making life tough for CSK. Dhoni dropped a chance to get rid of Shaw.

Hazlewood got rid of Shreyas Iyer taking the leading edge caught by Gaikwad. At the end of the first six overs, DC scored 51 for 2. Axar Patel was promoted ahead of Pant but did not do any damage caught by substitute Mitchell Santer. Shaw looked in complete control reaching fifty off 27 balls. Delhi Capitals ended the first timeout at 74 for 2.

After the timeout, Moeen Ali and Jadeja bought back CSK into the game taking important wickets of Patel and well-set Shaw to leave DC in trouble. Shimron Hetymer and captain Pant took some to settle before putting pressure on CSK bowlers especially Shardul Thakur. Both batsmen played according to the situation making life tough for the opponents. At the end of the 2nd timeout, DC scored 128 for 4.

Pant and Hetymer scored at a quick pace putting CSK bowlers under decent pressure. Bravo grabbed the important wicket of Hetymer to end 83 runs partnership for the 5th wicket. Shardul Thakur bowled a decent final over giving away just 8 runs. During the course of innings, Pant completed his fifty off 35 balls to help DC post 172 for 5.

Chasing 173 runs to win, it was not an ideal start for CSK as Faf du Plessis was bowled with beauty by Anrich Nortje. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa took the attack on DC bowlers. Uthappa smashed Avesh Khan for 20 runs in the final over of the powerplay. At the end of the first six overs, CSK ended with 59 for 1.

Uthappa and Gaikwad kept on ticking the scoreboard making life tough for DC bowlers. At the end of the first timeout, CSK looked in complete control at 64 for 1. Uthappa played with intent reaching his fifty off 35 balls keeping the momentum going for the yellow army. Both batsmen kept ticking the scoreboard going. At end of the 2nd timeout, CSK made 111 for 1.

Delhi Capitals made a strong comeback into the match as a superb catch by Iyer at the boundary got rid of Uthappa. Uthappa and Gaikwad added 110 runs for the 2nd wicket. Shardul Thakur was promoted to number 4 but did not contribute anything. A superb throw by Iyer and a brilliant take by Rabada resulted in the run-out of Rayudu to leave CSK hovering.

The match went right down the wire as Gaikwad completed his fifty off 37 balls. Axar Patel took another superb catch to dismiss well set Gaikwad. Moeen and Gaikwad added 30 runs for the 5th wicket.

MS Dhoni took to his old days smashing Avesh Khan for a six. With 13 runs required off the final over, Tom Curran dismissed Moeen Ali resulting in another twist. Dhoni took charge and took CSK with a boundary. Thanks to valuable contributions from Uthappa, Gaikwad, and cameos by Dhoni, Moeen Ali, CSK chased down this formidable target.

For his 70 off 50 balls, Ruturaj Gaikwad was awarded the man of the match. CSK entered into the IPL finals for the 9th time. 

CSK 173 for 6 in 19.4 overs ( Gaikwad 70, Uthappa 63, Tom Curran 3/29) beat Delhi Capitals 172 for 5 in 20 overs ( Shaw 60, Pant 51*, Hazlewood 2/29) by 4 wickets. 




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