Picture : Twitter / IPL
Chennai Super Kings , the defending champions have reached their eighth IPL final as they beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets in their second qualifier at Vizag . They will face Mumbai Indians in the finals. Both the finalists have won the title thrice.
Delhi capitals struggled against the CSK attack and fielding and could post a very modest 147 / 9 in their 20 overs. Their big guns did not fire when it mattered most. Prithvi Shaw ( 8) , Shikhar Dhawan ( 18 ) Colin Munro ( 27 ) , Skipper Shreyas Iyer ( 13 ) , the aggressive Rishabh Pant was kept under check for his ( 38) , Sherfane Rutherford ( 10)
This was largely due to the CSK bowling effort – Dwayne Bravo (2/19), Ravindra Jadeja (2/23), Deepak Chahar (2/28) , Harbhajan Singh (2/31) , Imran Tahir 1/ 28 ( 4 overs) were brilliant and backed skipper Dhoni’s move to field first.
In reply CSK powered their way . The openers Faf Du Plessis ( 50 ) off 39 balls and Shane Watson, who struggled a lot this season finally came good with a crucial 50 off 31 balls to help CSK romp home by six wickets. Suresh Raina scored 11, Dhoni ( 11 ) Amabati Rayudu unbeaten on 22 saw the team home with six balls to spare .
For DC , Trent Boult 1/ 20 ( 4 overs), Ishant Sharma 1/ 24 ( 4 overs) , Axar Patel 1/ 32 ( 4 overs) and Amit Mishra 1/ 21 ( 4 overs) . Keemo Paul had an off day conceding 0/ 49 off his three overs.
In the experience and class of CSK prevailed over the youth of Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals will take pride for their fine bowling efforst this season with – Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma who were top class and well supported by Axar Patel, Amit Mishra. Further the batting of Shikahar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant made them a exciting side to watch. Head coach Ricky Ponting should feel happy with the efforts . It will inspire them to come back strong next year.
