IPL 2024: CSK’s Middle-order shines as they defeat RCB by six wickets with Fizz’s four-fer

Chennai Super Kings clinched a thrilling victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of IPL 2024 as Mustafizur Rahman’s four-wicket haul and solid performances by the middle-order batsmen secured a 6-wicket win. Mustafizur’s 4-29 helped restrict RCB to 173/6, with CSK chasing down the target with eight balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

CSK’s victory marked their eighth consecutive win over RCB at the Chepauk Stadium, with RCB’s last win at this venue over a decade ago. Despite a shaky start with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra putting up only 38 runs for the opening wicket, CSK’s middle-order stepped up to the challenge and sealed the win.

Ravindra stood out with a brisk 37 off 15 balls, but the real heroes of the chase were Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja, who shared an unbeaten 66-run partnership to take CSK over the finish line. Dube’s 34 off 28 included four boundaries and a six, while Jadeja’s 25 off 17 ensured the team’s victory.

Despite a spirited effort by RCB’s Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik, CSK’s bowling attack led by Mustafizur proved too strong. Cameron Green’s 2-27 in three overs was not enough to defend RCB’s total, as Chennai’s batting lineup proved to be too resilient for the challenge.

In the end, CSK reached 176/4 in 18.4 overs, sealing a well-deserved victory for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in his first match as skipper. The team’s balanced performance with the ball and the bat sets a promising tone for the defending champions in the upcoming matches of the IPL 2024 season.