Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 27 runs in the IPL 2021 final, following a sensational performance.
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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 27 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 final on Friday, in an exciting encounter. CSK skipper MS Dhoni has now secured his fourth title in the cash-rich league, which is certainly a spectacular achievement, to say the least. The Chennai-based franchise ensured a fantastic performance with the ball, after setting a very formidable target of 193 for KKR. The bowlers maintained a disciplined outlook despite a fine partnership by opposition openers Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill, remaining cool and calm at every stage.
The breakthroughs soon came at a steady pace, with Shardul Thakur the pick of the bowlers. Shardul accounted for three dismissals, which included two wickets in an over. Ravindra Jadeja and Josh Hazlewood provided quality support, chipping in two dismissals respectively.
Venkatesh and Shubman were the top run-scorers for KKR in the encounter, accumulating 50 and 51 runs respectively. Shivam Mavi and Lockie Ferguson chipped in with cameos when the clash was nearly done and dusted, but it did not have an impact due to limited support from other batsmen. Skipper Eoin Morgan’s poor run in IPL 2021 continued even in the final, with the English cricketer unable to make any impact.
CSK seemed increasingly close to winning the IPL 2021 after the first innings, all thanks to a South African player who has not even been selected in the nation’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2021. Yes, the player being referred to is none other than Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis smashed 86 runs off 59 deliveries in an innings comprising of seven boundaries and three sixes to help CSK post a massive total of 192 runs for the loss of three wickets against KKR.
Du Plessis’ stunning knock saw him finish on the second spot in the race for the Orange Cap, trailing fellow opener Ruturaj Gaikwad by just two runs. The South African accumulated 633 runs in comparison to 635 for the Indian cricketer, who is now the youngest player to win the prestigious cap.
“I think Shakib was about to bowl two overs. I thought I should take on spin as I am a good player of spin. Faf also played lesser balls up front. It is stopping a little. We did brilliantly to get to 192 by hitting some brilliant sixes, off good balls too. We need to bowl well and back it up with the fielding. I wanted him (Faf) to hit that six and add those six important runs (for Orange Cap),” said Ruturaj as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Robin Uthappa and Moeen Ali showcased their ability to determine proceedings, smashing 31 runs off 15 deliveries and 37 from 20 balls respectively. The former’s knock included three sixes. Ali’s cameo comprised of two boundaries and three sixes.
Sunil Narine was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, accounting for two dismissals. Shivam Mavi also chipped in with a wicket.
