By Ravindra Jadeja’s stellar all-round performance propelled Chennai Super Kings to a commanding 28-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, halting the hosts’ five-match winning streak against them. Jadeja’s impactful innings of 43 runs off 26 balls towards the end bolstered CSK to a competitive total of 167/9. Later, with the ball, he snared 3 wickets for just 20 runs, contributing significantly to Punjab Kings’ collapse in the middle overs.
The turning point of the game was the middle overs, where CSK struggled themselves but Punjab Kings completely lost their way. Jadeja’s crucial three-wicket burst dismantled Punjab’s batting lineup, including the dismissal of both set batsmen – Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh – which thwarted any chances of a late resurgence that Punjab had shown in previous matches this season.
Chennai Super Kings
In the powerplay, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell set the stage with a 57-run partnership. Mitchell’s aggressive approach, particularly against Arshdeep Singh, provided the necessary impetus. Gaikwad joined in the onslaught in the final over of the powerplay, exploiting Harpreet Brar’s bowling for a fruitful 19-run over, after which Brar was not given another over to bowl.
In the middle overs, Punjab’s Rahul Chahar and Harshal Patel struck crucial blows, denting CSK’s progress. Chahar’s double strike removed Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, while Harshal Patel dismissed Mitchell, who was looking dangerous with a quickfire 30.
During the death overs, Shardul Thakur’s cameo of 17 runs and Jadeja’s late flourish helped CSK post a challenging total. However, Punjab’s bowlers, especially Harshal Patel, curtailed CSK’s acceleration, restricting them to 167/9.
Punjab Kings
Punjab’s chase began steadily in the powerplay, with Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh leading the recovery after the early dismissals of Bairstow and Rossow. However, Santner and Jadeja’s strikes in the middle overs triggered a dramatic collapse, with Punjab losing wickets in quick succession.
In the middle overs, Punjab lost their way as Santner and Jadeja applied pressure. Shashank’s dismissal after a brief fightback, followed by a collapse that included Jitesh Sharma’s golden duck, left Punjab reeling at 44/6.
Despite a late flourish from Harshal Patel, Punjab Kings fell short and were bowled out for 139 in 20 overs.
What’s Next?
Punjab Kings will host Royal Challengers Bangalore at their adopted home on May 9, while Chennai Super Kings will travel to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans the following day.
