Chennai Super Kings delivered a crushing blow to Kolkata Knight Riders’playoff aspirations with a sensational two-wicket victory at Eden Gardens.
Dewald Brevis’ explosive 25-ball 52 and MS Dhoni’s iconic finish sealed CSK’s win, leaving KKR’s title defense hanging by a thread.
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KKR’s Batting Struggle
Defending champions KKR posted 179-6 after electing to bat, with Ajinkya Rahane (48) and Andre Russell (38) leading the charge.
Rahane’s aggressive start and Russell’s late surge provided momentum, but CSK’s spin trio, led by Noor Ahmad (4-31), stifled KKR’s middle order.
Ahmad’s four-wicket haul marked his second four-fer of the season, cementing his reputation as CSK’s most impactful bowler.
PowerPlay Of CSK Win
Rahane and Sunil Narine capitalized on CSK’s early bowling struggles, racing to 67-1 in the powerplay.
Rahane’s 29 off 14 balls included three sixes, while Narine dismantled Ravichandran Ashwin for 14 runs in a single over.
However, CSK clawed back through spin, with Noor dismissing Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi in the eighth over to shift momentum.
Middle Overs Stalemate
KKR’s scoring dried up after the powerplay, managing just 57 runs in the middle overs.
Rahane’s 33-ball 48 and Manish Pandey’s unbeaten 36 anchored the innings, but Jadeja’s dismissal of Rahane (via a failed reverse sweep) and Noor’s late strikes on Russell and Rinku Singh kept KKR under 180.
CSK’s Roller-Coaster Chase
CSK’s chase began in chaos, losing five wickets inside the powerplay to slump to 60-5. Debutant Urvil Patel’s 11-ball 31 (four sixes) briefly ignited hope, but KKR’s spin attack threatened to derail the innings.
Enter Dewald Brevis. The South African sensation smashed Vaibhav Arora for 30 runs in a single over, including three sixes and three fours, turning the tide in CSK’s favor.
His 22-ball fifty breathed life into the chase, while Shivam Dube’s composed 45 off 40 balls kept CSK on track.
Brevis’ Blitzkrieg
The 11th over proved decisive. Brevis capitalized on a dropped catch by Raghuvanshi at long-off, smashing Arora for six consecutive boundaries.
His one-handed six off a knuckleball full toss (89m) became the defining image of the match.
This over transformed CSK’s odds from 21.98% to 78.05% favorites, according to ESPNcricinfo.
KKR’s Collapse In Csk Win
With CSK needing eight runs off the final over, MS Dhoni delivered yet another masterclass.
The veteran smashed a six off the first ball and guided debutant Anshul Kamboj to the winning boundary, securing a two-wicket victory with two balls to spare.
The win marked CSK’s first successful chase of 180+ since 2019 and ended a 12-match losing streak in such chases.
Dhoni’s Tactical Brilliance
Dhoni’s composure under pressure was evident as he refused a single off the second ball, ensuring Kamboj faced the final delivery.
His whispered advice to the rookie paid off, with Kamboj lofting a half-volley over mid-on for the winning boundary.
This marked Dhoni’s 20th IPL victory in a chase requiring 10+ runs off the final over.
Playoff Implications
CSK’s win dealt a mortal blow to KKR’s playoff hopes. The defending champions now require two improbable victories and favorable results to reach the top four. They must beat Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, while relying on other teams’ losses. Meanwhile, despite their elimination, CSK’s victory boosted morale, highlighting their resilience under pressure.
Key Moments:
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Brevis’ Blitz: His 30-run over off Arora turned the game, with a one-handed six over long-on becoming the defining image of the match.
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Noor’s Dominance: The Afghan spinner’s four-wicket haul restricted KKR to a below-par total.
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Dhoni’s Finishing Touch: The 43-year-old’s sixth in the final over showcased his unmatched composure.
Final Score:
KKR 179-6 (20 overs) lost to CSK 183-8 (19.4 overs) by two wickets.
What’s Next?
KKR face Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore in must-win fixtures, while CSK host Rajasthan Royals in their final match.
Read More: CSK Win: A Glimpse into Their First IPL Championship
