Fiery knock from MSD fails to save CSK from 20-run defeat against Delhi Capitals

VISAKHAPATNAM: A vintage knock from MS Dhoni was not enough as Delhi Capitals clinched their first win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season with a 20-run triumph over the defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Former CSK skipper MS Dhoni (37*) played a vintage innings in the final over, sending the crowd into a frenzy although the game was gone much before the final over.

Apart from Dhoni going on a scoring spree, the DC bowlers were disciplined in defending 192.

Khaleel Ahmed dismissed the opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra for 1 and 2, giving an early advantage for DC.

Ajinkya Rahane (45) and Daryl Mitchell (34) put together a 68-run stand but Axar Patel provided the breakthrough by removing Mitchell and Mukesh Kumar removed Rahane.

Shivam Dube and Sameer Rizvi struggled to get things going for CSK. Though Dhoni struck 20 runs off Anrich Nortje in the final over, DC planned it well to keep CSK away from victory.

Earlier, after winning the toss, the Delhi Capitals opted to bat first. Prithvi Shaw (43 runs from 27 balls) and David Warner (52 runs from 35 balls) formed a 93-run opening partnership to give DC a solid start.

The CSK bowlers failed to bag any wickets in the first six overs.

Mustafizur Rahman made the first breakthrough by dismissing Warner in the 10th over.

After the first dismissal, DC skipper Pant (51 runs from 32 balls) played a sensible knock to help his side set up a 192-run target.

Brief score: Delhi Capitals 191/5 (David Warner 52, Rishabh Pant 51, Prithvi Shaw 43; Matheesha Pathirana 3-31) vs. Chennai Super Kings.