IPL 2021: CSK need 107 runs to beat Punjab
Chennai Super Kings were terrific with the ball as they restricted Punjab Kings to just 106/8 in the eighth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season. Deepak Chahar bowled a sensational four-over spell, claiming four wickets to rock the KL Rahul-led side. Chahar's exceptional bowling didn't allow Punjab any space as they didn't recover. We present the mid-innings report.
Punjab get rocked in the PP overs
Punjab were stunned by Deepak Chahar in the powerplay overs as they lost four wickets. Punjab's famed top-order comprising of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Chris Gayle, managed 15 runs between them. West Indian star Nicholas Pooran also came in and departed quickly as Punjab were restricted to 19/4 in the fifth over. They managed 26/4 in the PP overs.
Chahar lights up the Wankhede with an exceptional spell
Chahar started his brilliance by dismissing Mayank Agarwal with an out-swinger. Chris Gayle failed to read Chahar's lack of pace as the latter bowled a knuckle ball. Ravindra Jadeja took a stunning diving catch to dismiss Gayle. He sent back Nicholas Pooran next, whose attempted pull shot found the fielder at fine leg. His fuller delivery then saw Deepak Hooda offer a simple catch.
Ravindra Jadeja shines for CSK
Jadeja has now effected 22 run-outs in the history of the Indian Premier League. This is the most by any player, going past MS Dhoni (21). Jaddu took two catches which has seen him race to 70 in the competition. Jadeja was also excellent with the ball, giving away just 19 runs from his four overs.
CSK in firm control over Punjab
Punjab were reduced to 26/5 in the seventh over. From there on, the likes of Shahrukh Khan and Jhye Richardson added a vital stand of 31 runs. Moeen Ali broke the stand by dismissing Richardson (15). Shahrukh Khan showed some resilience for Punjab, hitting a decent knock. His exploits helped Punjab get to the 100-run mark. Khan scored 47 runs from 36 deliveries.
