TATA IPL 2024: CSK's Mustafizur's 4-29 and Gaikwad's batting leads to victory against RCB

Pacer Mustafizur Rahman made a remarkable debut for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, claiming the first four-wicket haul of the season. His stellar performance played a crucial role in securing a victory for CSK and their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With eight balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK defeated RCB by six wickets. Mustafizur utilized the conditions effectively, showcasing excellent variations in pace and skillfully mixing up his slow balls. His brilliant bowling dismantled the RCB middle order, ultimately yielding impressive figures of 4-29 in his allotted four overs.

After Mustafizur's 4-29 helped them restrict RCB to 173/6 despite a superb rearguard partnership of 95 between Anuj Rawat (48) and Dinesh Karthik (38 not out), Chennai made a poor start and lost a couple of wickets in the middle before cameos by Ajinkya Rahane (27), Daryll Mitchell (22), Shivam Dube (34 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 not out) as CSK reached 176/4 in 18.4 overs, winning the match with a bit of fuel in the tank.

CSK extended their winning streak against RCB at the Chepauk Stadium to eight consecutive victories, with RCB's last win over CSK at this venue dating back over a decade. Gaikwad departed after scoring a run-a-ball 15, caught by Cameron Green at first slip off Yash Dayal on the second attempt. Ravindra showcased exceptional form, smashing 37 runs off just 15 deliveries, including three boundaries and an equal number of sixes. However, his promising innings was cut short when he attempted one shot too many and was caught by Rajat Patidar off Karn Sharma. At that stage, CSK stood at 71/2 in the 7th over.

Ajinkya Rahane and Mitchell kept CSK in the hunt but once they were out, CSK were 110/4 but still on course for victory. Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja shared an unbeaten partnership of 66 runs that sealed victory for CSK. Dube scored 34 off 28, hitting four boundaries and sealing victory with a six while Jadeja struck 1 17-ball 25 not out studded with just one six as Chennai gave skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad a winning start. For RCB, Cameron Green claimed 2-27 in three overs but RCB bowling lacked the edge to slice through the CSK batting lineup.

Earlier, RCB made a brisk start, stumbled in the middle, and then finished off in a canter as they reached 173/6 in 20 overs thanks mainly to a superb rearguard innings by Aunj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik, who added 95 runs for the sixth wicket partnership. The brisk start was provided by skipper Faf du Plessis and the stumble was courtesy of the early dismissal of Virat Kohli (21), Rajat Patidar (0), Glenn Maxwell (0) Cameroon Green (18) and RCB slumped to 78/5 in the 12th over as Mustafizur Rahman knocked off three of those wickets, and Anuj Rawat (48) and Dinesh Karthik (38 not out) provided the final flourish as RCB reached a decent total in their opening match.

Mustafizur struck again later, dismissing Rajat Patidar who nicked one behind to M.S Dhoni, unable to cope with the pace. The troubles continued for RCB as Glenn Maxwell departed for a duck, edging behind off Charar. In a crucial turn of events, Virat Kohli and Cameron Green fell to Mustafizur in the 12th over, leaving RCB struggling at 78/5 and facing the possibility of not reaching the 120-run mark. However, Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik had different plans, as they joined forces to mount a spectacular sixth-wicket partnership, adding 95 runs.

Deshpande had the final say, delivering an impressive last over, conceding only nine runs. The match concluded dramatically as Rawat was run out by Dhoni off the final delivery. Meanwhile, Karthik showcased his batting prowess, smashing three boundaries and two sixes to remain unbeaten on 38 off 25 balls, providing valuable support to his younger batting partner. Despite RCB reaching a respectable total, it falls short by 20 runs of posing a real challenge to CSK in their home ground.