IPL 2024: CSK beat RR, take leap in playoff race
Chennai Super Kings have thrashed Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in Match 61 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). It was a low-scoring affair as CSK accomplished the 142-run target with 10 balls to spare. While Simarjeet Singh starred with a three-wicket haul, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored CSK's chase with a well-paced knock. Here we look at the key stats.
RR post a below-par total
RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (25) and Jos Buttler (21) threw away their starts after adding 43 runs for the opening wicket. The case was the same for Sanju Samson (15) as Simarjeet dismissed the top three. Riyan Parag (47* off 35) batted well on a tricky surface as RR managed 141/5. Dhruv Jurel (28 off 18) also made a vital contribution.
Summary of CSK's chase
Rachin Ravindra (27 off 18) found boundaries in the powerplay overs before falling to Ravichandran Ashwin. While skipper Gaikwad (42*) held one end, the likes of Daryl Mitchell (22), Moeen Ali (10), and Shivam Dube (18) perished after playing brief cameos. CSK eventually crossed the line without much hassle. Ashwin claimed a couple of wickets. Nandre Burger and Yuzvendra Chahal got one apiece.
Simarjeet registers his career-best IPL figures
Simarjeet put up an excellent display of fast bowling as he finished with 3/26 in his four overs. These are now his best IPL figures as he has raced to nine IPL wickets (ER: 8.28). The 26-year-old uncapped bowler now owns 33 T20 scalps. Meanwhile, Tushar Deshpande (2/30) was CSK's only other wicket-taker. He now has 16 wickets in IPL 2024 (ER: 8.52).
11,500 T20 runs for Buttler
Though Buttler looked rusty during his 25-ball 21, he became the second England player after Alex Hales (12,319) to complete 11,500 runs in T20 cricket. Buttler has now raced to 11,505 T20 runs at 34.75. With this knock, he has raced to 3,582 IPL runs. Against CSK, the star opener has now tallied 367 runs across 10 matches against them at 45.87.
3,000 IPL runs as opener
During the course of his knock, Buttler also became just the 10th batter to complete 3,000 IPL runs as an opener. Playing his 78th match as an opener, the dasher now owns 3,003 runs at 41.70. Meanwhile, the RR opener has now completed 359 runs across 11 matches this year. His average and strike rate read 39.88 and 140.78, respectively.
Jaiswal races past 1,500 IPL runs
Jaiswal was dismissed for 24 off 21 balls. He has now raced past 1,500 (now 1,515) IPL runs as he averages 32.96. The southpaw has tallied 344 runs this season at 31.27. The tally includes a fifty and a ton. Playing his sixth game against CSK, Jaiswal has raced to 226 runs at 37.66 (50s: 3).
Crucial knock from Parag
Parag's 47* off 35 balls was of great significance as the track had a lot for the bowlers. He struck three maximums besides a boundary and added 40 runs with Jurel. With 483 runs at a strike rate of 153.82, Parag is RR's second-leading run-getter this year. Overall, he boasts 1,083 IPL runs at a strike rate of 135.71.
Third team to get this feat
This was CSK's 50th IPL win at the Chepauk Stadium. They also have 21 defeats at this venue (including Super Over losses). Kolkata Knight Riders (52 at Eden Gardens) and Mumbai Indians (52 at Wankhede Stadium) are the only other sides with 50-plus IPL wins at a venue.
50 IPL scalps at Chepauk for Ashwin
Ashwin delivered a fine spell as he claimed 2/35 in four overs and during the course became the first bowler to claim 50 IPL scalps at Chepauk. Playing his 42nd game at the venue, he now owns 50 scalps at 19.62. Ashwin's economy of 6.15 at this ground is the best among bowlers with 35-plus IPL scalps at a venue.
A steady knock from Gaikwad
Gaikwad was watchful on the tricky surface as he made an unbeaten 42 off 41 balls (1 four, 2 sixes). With 583 runs at 58.30, he is the second-leading run-scorer this season. 438 of his runs have come in seven home games this year as he averages a stellar 109.50. Overall, he has tallied 2,380 IPL runs at 42.5.
Unfortunate dismissal for Jadeja
The game witnessed a moment of controversy as Ravindra Jadeja was adjudged guilty of obstructing the field. He became the third player to be dismissed in such an unfortunate manner in IPL. He joined Yusuf Pathan (2013) and Amit Mishra (2019).
Key updates in the points table
It was an important win for CSK as they now have 14 points with seven wins in 13 matches (+0.528). They have jumped to the third place in the points table. Meanwhile, RR continue at the second place with eight wins in 12 matches (ER: +0.349). RR and CSK have two and one league-stage games remaining this season.
