An all-round phenomenal performance from MS Dhoni’s men helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to notch up a 27-run victory over Delhi Capitals at the Chepauk. A comprehensive win has strengthened CSK’s spot in the top four with 15 points while the defeat has dented DC’s playoff hopes. Chasing a gritty 168, DC players failed to challenge with the bat and never had the momentum. CSK bowlers showcased their brilliance to restrict DC to 140/8. For CSK, Matheesha Pathirana starred with a three-wicket haul while Deepak Chahar scalped two.

As a rare moment, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway failed to give CSK a solid start. Axar Patel trapped Conway LBW for 10 and then dismissed Gaikwad (24) in his next over to put the hosts on the back foot. Moeen Ali failed to make an impact and departed for just 7. A few minutes later, Lalit Yadav took an unbelievable catch to send off Ajinkya Rahane (21).

Shivam Dube played a cameo of 25 while Ambati Rayudu chipped in with 23. Ravindra Jadeja contributed a crucial 21. The GOAT finisher Dhoni delighted the home crowd by hitting two huge sixes and a four in the penultimate over, helping his side to reach a respectable total of 167/8.

In reply, Chahar stunned DC by dismissing their captain David Warner for a duck, and star of the last game Phil Salt (17) in his successive overs. Very soon, Mitchell Marsh fell after a mix-up with Manish Pandey. Pandey and Rilee Rossouw managed to build only a sluggish partnership that shot up the required rate for DC. Pandey eventually fell for 27 while Rossouw departed after scoring 35. DC never really recovered and ended up losing the match.