Press Trust of India
Chennai, April 25: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continued their superb run in the IPL as they thrashed Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 97 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here Saturday.
Chasing a stiff target of 193 runs, Ravindra Jadeja (3/22) and Ravi Ashwin (2/14) spun a web around the KXIP batsmen as they couldn’t even cross the 100-run mark and were restricted at 95 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Ashish Nehra (2/16) also chipped in with a couple of wickets.
Earlier CSK scored 192 for the loss of three wickets. Dwayne Smith (26) and Brendon McCullum (66, 44b, 8×4, 3×6) provided a solid start for CSK. Smith was dismissed after a half century stand but McCullum continued with Suresh Raina (29) and reached his half ton with some attacking strokes.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (41 n o, 27b, 2×4, 2×6) provided the finishing touches by staying unbeaten till the end and Ravindra Jadeja (18) assisted him well hitting two boundaries as the score went past the 190-run mark. KXIP were guilty of dropping a few catches which dented their chances of restricting the home team below 170.
Brief Scores
CSK 192 for three (Brendon McCullum 66, MS Dhoni 41 n o) beat KXIP (Murali Vijay 34; Ravindra Jadeja 3/22, Ravi Ashwin 2/14) by 97 runs.
