Ajinkya Rahane showcased exceptional fielding skills by grabbing a sensational catch to dismiss the menacing David Miller during the seventh match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday (March 26).
Ajinkya Rahane’s game-changing catch removes David Miller
On the final delivery of the 12th over, Tushar Deshpande aimed for a yorker on the leg stump. Sensing the opportunity, Miller lifted his front leg and attempted a forceful flick through midwicket. However, Rahane, stationed at cow corner, charged forward with determination, diving low to pluck the ball inches above the ground.
This momentous catch not only halted Miller’s blistering innings but also shattered Gujarat’s hopes of chasing down the daunting target of 207 set by Chennai. Miller’s departure came after a whirlwind knock of 21 runs from just 12 balls, featuring three boundaries. Rahane’s acrobatic catch was a game-changing moment, drastically altering the course of the match as Chennai tightened their grip, reducing Gujarat to 96/4.
Here’s the video:
Now Ajinkya Rahane takes a splendid running catch! 🔥
There’s no escape for the ball with @ChennaiIPL‘s current fielding display 😎
Head to @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia to watch the match LIVE#TATAIPL | #CSKvGT | @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/fu6Irj1WDG
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 26, 2024
Gujarat Titans’ batting struggles after Miller’s dismissal
After Miller’s departure, Gujarat’s batting lineup faltered, struggling to find their footing and losing their grip on the match. Despite their efforts to stabilize the innings, wickets fell at regular intervals, disrupting their rhythm and thwarting their attempts to maintain the required run rate, which was steadily climbing.
Also WATCH: MS Dhoni plucks age-defying catch to get rid of Vijay Shankar in CSK vs GT game
CSK’s bowling prowess secures victory
Regardless of contributions from Azmatullah Omazrazi and Umesh Yadav, who managed to notch up double-digit scores, it wasn’t enough to steer Gujarat to victory. Ultimately, their innings stuttered to a halt at 143/8, paving the way for a commanding 63-run victory for the defending champions, Chennai. Leading the bowling charge for the home-side were Deepak Chahar, Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana, who picked up two wickets each, while Daryl Mitchell and Deshpande also made valuable contributions with one wicket apiece.
CSK’s explosive batting display
Earlier in the match, Chennai’s opening duo, comprising captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the promising Rachin Ravindra, provided a blistering start by amassing 69 runs within the first six overs of the powerplay. Nevertheless, the momentum shifted when Rashid Khan was introduced into the attack, resulting in the dismissal of Ravindra. Despite losing Gaikwad and Rahane shortly thereafter, Shivam Dube stabilized the innings showcased his aggressive intent from the outset, smashing two sixes on his first three ball he faced.
Shivam Dube’s heroics and impactful cameo by Sameer Rizvi
Dube’s explosive batting, complemented by a valuable partnership with Mitchell, contributed significantly as they amassed 57 runs in 6 overs. Dube’s individual contribution was exceptional, accumulating 51 runs off 23 balls, inclusive of 2 fours and 5 towering sixes. Towards the conclusion, debutant Sameer Rizvi demonstrated his worth by confidently dispatching Rashid for two sixes, propelling his team’s total beyond the 200 runs mark.