TATA IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals Defeat CSK by 20 Runs in a Thrilling Match

In a pivotal IPL 2024 match, the Delhi Capitals' pace duo of Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar delivered exceptional performances. Ahmed's figures of 2-21, including a crucial spell during the Power-play, and Kumar's 3-21 in the middle overs played a vital role in restricting the Chennai Super Kings to 171/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a remarkable unbeaten 37 off 16 balls from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the defending champions fell short. Ahmed, who had fallen out of favor with national selectors previously but showcased his prowess in domestic cricket, made early breakthroughs by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra to leave CSK struggling at 7/2. This stellar bowling effort guided Delhi Capitals to a 20-run victory, marking their first win of the season.

Mukesh Kumar continued to add to Chennai Super Kings' woes as he claimed two wickets off successive deliveries as he finished with 3-21 in three overs as Rishabh Pant used seven bowlers to keep Chennai Super Kings under pressure. CSK lost the match despite some late magic by former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who hammered a sensational 16-ball 37 not out for the five-time champions towards the end of the match.

After winning the toss, Rishabh Pant's decision set the stage for a formidable total as David Warner and the skipper himself smashed rapid half-centuries, while Prithvi Shaw contributed with a blistering 27-ball 43. Delhi Capitals concluded their innings with a strong total of 191/5 in 20 overs. The bowlers, spearheaded by Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar, then took control, guiding Delhi Capitals to victory and putting their campaign back on track after two successive defeats. This win also marked Chennai Super Kings' first loss at home after two consecutive victories. The chase for CSK, facing a daunting target of 192 on a pitch offering some bounce, hinged heavily on openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra replicating their explosive start from the previous match.

Seasoned pacer Khaleel Ahmed accounted for both of them, getting Gaikwad (1) to edge one behind Pant with the extra ball of the first over after he sent down a wide. The CSK skipper attempted an expansive drive off a length ball and feathered it to the keeper. Ravindra (2) did not last long as he was caught superbly by Tristian Stubbs at mid-on as the New Zealander mishit a chipped pull. Ajinkya Rane and Daryl Mitchell raised 68 runs for the third wicket partnership as they revived the CSK innings. Rahane struck some superb shots, scoring 45 off 30 balls studded with five fours and two sixes. Daryl Mitchell scored 34 off 26 balls.

Mukesh Kumar's pivotal spell included two wickets in two balls, showcasing his skill with a deceptive slower ball to dismiss Rahane, caught at long-on, followed by a well-earned edge off Sameer Rizvi. Returning in the 17th over, he claimed the crucial wicket of Shivam Dube with a clever short and slower delivery, concluding with figures of 3-21. Despite a late surge from Ravindra Jadeja and Mahendra Dhoni, which featured some exceptional shots, the outcome of the match seemed inevitable. Jadeja managed 21 runs off 17 balls, while Dhoni, benefiting from a dropped catch by Khaleel off Mukesh Kumar at backward point, showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 37 off just 16 balls. Dhoni's innings included four boundaries and three sixes, highlighted by an extraordinary one-handed maximum over the 85+ region, powered by a ball retrieved from his leg side.