NEWS
Follow UsChennai Super Kings recorded a comprehensive 27-run win against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, May 10, to inch closer to securing their spot in the playoffs.
After opting to bat first in Chepauk, Chennai were powered to 167 runs courtesy off some useful cameos by Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja down the order.
In reply, the hosts spun a web around the Capitals with Jadeja and Mooen Ali conceding only 35 runs in their eight overs that derailed the visiting side.
Sharing insights on the pitch and the performance of the team, Head Coach of the Super Kings, Stephen Fleming, said, "The dew has not been too bad. In fact, we thought it settled down in the last couple of days."
"We have been here for a while and had a couple of afternoon games before this, but our practice days have not had a big influence on the training conditions, which is always a good guide. The wicket was really dry, it kept humming, but the captain was certain about batting today."
"It was the first time it turned a lot, and that was an interesting thing today. We thought it might be a bit slow, but the amount of turn Moeen Ali got was good to see. It was pleasant to see the turn, especially when you have around 170 on the board," he further added.
While most of the batters got starts in this game, none of them could go to make a big score, and the former Kiwi batter felt it is due to the high-risk and high-reward ploy that most batters use in the shortest format.
"It's a reflection of the way games are now played, and the players play with more high risks, and the way you compose an innings is slightly different, so I'm happy with the cameos."
"It keeps you pushing above par. We are getting players who are coming out and playing more aggressively, and mistakes come with that. What you've seen today, a 160 wicket was turned into almost a possible 175-180 because we had positive intent through partnerships and guys playing aggressively."
"Dube is a good example of that, Rayudu and MS in the end. We created enough to get ahead of the game even though we lost seven wickets," he said.
The 50-year-old also heaped praises on MS Dhoni for his performance in the back end of the first innings as the skipper smashed a nine-ball 20, including two massive sixes to help the team reach 167 runs.
He's (Dhoni) just training a certain way, and he knows he's not going to bat for a long time. He concentrated more on the last three overs. He's concentrated on strong-headed practice, and you can see the benefits of that. That cameo in the back end was really valuable in the hard-fought 20 overs," he concluded.
Chennai will now host Kolkata Knight Riders in an evening encounter on Sunday, May 14.
