Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicked off their IPL 2024 campaign with a convincing six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. A brilliant display of fielding, including a spectacular relay catch involving Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra to dismiss Virat Kohli, played a key role in their win.
Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra unite for stunning dismissal
Chasing down a modest target of 156 set by RCB, CSK’s bowling attack shone early on. Mustafizur Rahman emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, claiming three crucial wickets. In the 12th over, his short delivery enticed Kohli (21 off 19) into a pull shot. While Rahane brilliantly backpedaled and took a diving catch near the mid-wicket boundary, his momentum carried him close to the ropes. Realizing this, he smartly tossed the ball towards the approaching Ravindra, who completed a safe catch to dismiss the former RCB skipper.
Here’s the video:
Brilliant relay catch 👌
Timber strike 🎯Mustafizur Rahman is making merry & so are @ChennaiIPL 🙌
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Fielder ki kamaal ki lapak aur khatam hua Kohli ka luck! 🤯
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Also WATCH: Virat Kohli gives a warm hug to MS Dhoni during IPL 2024 CSK vs RCB clash
Mustafizur Rahman wrecks RCB top order
Mustafizur wasn’t done there. Two balls later, he castled Cameron Green for a sluggish 18, taking two wickets in the over.
The left-arm pacer earlier dismissed Faf du Plessis (35 off 23) and Rajat Patidar (0) in quick succession in his first over, effectively derailing the RCB top order. The late fightback from Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and Dinesh Karthik (38 not out off 26) helped RCB in posting a competitive 173/6 on the scoreboard.
CSK cruises to victory
In reply, CSK chased down the target with relative ease in 18.4 overs. Debutant Ravindra impressed with a quickfire 37 off 15 balls, while the experienced Rahane (27 off 19) provided stability at the top. Shivam Dube (34 not out off 28) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 not out off 17) finished things off in style, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Chennai franchise.