KEY STORY
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MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) romped past KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 8 of the ongoing IPL 2021 edition, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
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After a 7-wicket defeat at the hands of Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC), in defense of 189, the Yellow Army had a lot on their shoulders but brought their A-game to dismantle a misfiring Rahul-led PBKS franchise on Friday evening (April 16) and take the two crucial points in their kitty with a 6-wicket win (after Punjab managed 106-8).
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Everything clicked for the three-time champions to make the occasion more special for their talismanic leader in the form of Dhoni, who was representing CSK for the 200th time in T20 cricket (176 in IPL, 24 in CLT20). From Deepak Chahar’s 4 for 13 to Moeen Ali’s all-round blitz, here are some of the top moments from match 8 between CSK and PBKS:
1) Deepak Chahar rocks PBKS with 4/13:
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Where there is swing, there is Chahar among wickets. While the elder of the Chahar brothers wasn’t in form coming into this fixture, he found some movement on a tough and sticky wicket to dismantle PBKS’ top-order in a flash. Rattling Mayank Agarwal’s stumps with beauty to removing Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, and Nicholas Pooran like nine pins, Chahar returned with 4/13; his best-ever IPL figures.
Deepak Chahar with the well-deserved Man of the Match award for his brilliant bowling figures of 4/13 as #CSK register their first win of #VIVOIPL 2021.
Scorecard – https://t.co/L0gFzXxDzS #PBKSvCSK pic.twitter.com/CdkUXQHZ0I
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2021
United diagnosticss
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As a result of Chahar’s spell, CSK made a dream start and remained on top throughout the course of the game (despite tottering a bit in the end). He was lauded by Ravi Shastri, Irfan Pathan, Aakash Chopra, and the likes on Twitter.
Proven fact. Genuine swing both ways with control can undo the best. Super variations. Brilliant @deepak_chahar9 #CSKvsPBKS @IPL #IPL2021 @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/Dn2s8luZj7
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 16, 2021
Wonder why Deepak Chahar had fallen out of favour for Team India in the T20s…..in the squad but not in the playing XI. World record holder….achieved that not too long ago. #PBKSvsCSK #IPL2021
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 16, 2021
Smart bowling by Deepak chahar. Surprise Bouncer is always a good option from swing bowler,as batsman always thinking to play on front foot to negate the swing. #CSKvPBKS
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 16, 2021
2) All-round display from Jadeja, Moeen:
While the game belonged to Deepak Chahar, for his swing and surprise bouncers, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali weren’t far behind in terms of overall contributions. With pressure from the word go on PBKS, due to Chahar’s spell, Jadeja added onto their woes with his electrifying presence on the field, diving full stretch to get rid of Gayle and accounting for Rahul’s run-out. He also remained economical with the ball, 0 for 19 (4).
VIVO Perfect Catch of the Match award between @PunjabKingsIPL and @ChennaiIPL goes to Ravindra Jadeja. @Vivo_India #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/PRLOdCgy9F
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2021
Meanwhile, Moeen continued to grow further under CSK to return with 46 runs (off 31 balls) along with 1 for 17 (3). Overall, CSK showed more intensity on the field after their forgettable outing vs DC.
Safari Super Striker of the Match between @PunjabKingsIPL and @ChennaiIPL is Moeen Ali.@TataMotors_Cars #SafariSuperStriker #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/kgx1aiJY22
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2021
3) Dhoni’s double ton for CSK:
Dhoni remains a legend of the game, be it for Team India or CSK in the IPL. On Friday, the 39-year-old came out on the field for the 200th time in CSK colours (176 in IPL, 24 in CLT20s) to register another milestone for the Yellow Army. He looked more involved than the previous game, attacked with slips, and relentlessly used his bowlers whereas was at his usual best behind the stumps, directing the play at all times.
Match No. 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ for @ChennaiIPL
Cap No. 1️⃣
Jersey No. 7️⃣@msdhoni #PBKSvCSK #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/5rIA4DGuW1— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2021
