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On Friday, March 22, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kickstarted their title defence with a win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 6 wickets in the IPL 2024 opener. After being invited to field first, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK chased the 174-run target posted by the Faf du Plessis’ side at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
For the unversed, Faf du Plessis won the toss and opted to bat first. However, despite a quick start by their skipper, who scored 35 runs off 23 deliveries and crucial contributions from Virat Kohli (21 off 20), Anuj Rawat (48 off 25 balls) and an unbeaten knock of 38 from Dinesh Karthik, the side put up 173 runs on the board in their stipulated 20 overs.
But it was CSK debutant Mustafizur Rahman’s four-wicket haul that turned the match at one point of time for the home side. On the other hand, New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who also made his debut in the IPL, gave a head start to the side with his quickfire 15-ball 37 in pursuit of the 174-run target. Moreover, Gaikwad added 15 runs, Ajinkya Rahane, who recently led his domestic side Mumbai to record 42nd title, added 27 runs on the board.
At the end it was Shivam Dube, who came in as impact substitute, along with Ravindra Jadeja who helped the side cross the line and give Chennai its first win of the season, that too on their home ground. Moreover, with this win Chennai Super Kings continued their dominance over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at their home to 8-1.
