Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in the opening game of IPL 2022 on Saturday. It was a clinical performance by KKR as former CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s first IPL fifty in three years went in vain.
After opting to bowl, KKR bowlers dismantled CSK's batting line-up and and picked 5 quick wickets. However, MS Dhoni's brilliant 38-ball fifty took the Men in Yellow to a respectable total of 131. Dhoni slammed seven fours and a six in his 38-ball innings. While there were also handy contributions from skipper Ravindra Jadeja (26 not out) and Robin Uthappa (28). Umesh Yadav snapped two wickets while Varun Chakravarthy (1/23) and Andre Russell (1/38) also bowled well at the Wankhede stadium.
In reply, KKR chased down the target comfortably with 9 balls to spare. Ajinkya Rahane (44 of 34 balls) held one end together for KKR while the other batsmen also made valuable contributions. Dwayne Bravo was the pick of the bowlers for CSK as he picked 3 for 20 in four overs. Mitchell Santner (1/31) also took one wicket.
Watch the match highlights here:
1. BCCI honours Olympic medalist ahead of tournament opener
2. MS Dhoni's chants as he take the field in IPL 2022 opener
3. Rahane's fabulous innings
4. Dwayne Bravo's dance on 'Number One' after his 1st wicket in IPL 2022
The defending champions CSK now have a break of four days before they take on KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants at the Brabourne Stadium on March 31, while KKR will play Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 30.