Chepauk Conquered: Punjab Kings Outshine Chennai Super Kings

Punjab Kings secured a decisive seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk in Wednesday’s IPL 2024 clash, marking the second breach of CSK’s stronghold this season. Despite humid conditions and heavy dew affecting their bowlers, PBKS showcased an all-round performance to clinch the victory.

The match saw an early setback for CSK as Deepak Chahar left the field injured after delivering just two balls in the second innings. However, CSK managed an early breakthrough when Richard Gleeson claimed his first IPL wicket by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh for 13 during the powerplay.

Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw then built a formidable 64-run partnership, shifting the momentum in favor of PBKS. Shivam Dube finally broke the partnership, leading to Bairstow’s dismissal at 46 as he awkwardly played the ball to MS Dhoni behind the stumps. Rossouw’s innings ended at 43 after chopping the ball onto his stumps off Shardul Thakur, briefly raising CSK’s hopes.

However, stand-in skipper Sam Curran and Shashank Singh dashed any hopes of a CSK comeback with an unbeaten 50-run partnership, leading PBKS to finish at 163/3.

Earlier, CSK had a slow start with the bat but regained some momentum as openers Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad took charge, ending the powerplay at 55/0. Gaikwad, in particular, was impressive, reaching his half-century in 44 balls and contributing 62 runs to CSK’s total of 162/7. Rahane contributed 29 runs, while CSK faced setbacks from Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, who took crucial wickets midway through the innings.

The Chepauk crowd had a moment to cheer when MS Dhoni hit the field, striking a boundary and a six, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win for the home team.

Brief score: Chennai Super Kings 162/7 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 62, Ajinkya Rahane 29; Rahul Chahar 2-16) vs Punjab Kings 163/3 (Jonny Bairstow 46, Rilee Rossouw 43; Richard Gleeson 1-30).