The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), kicked off their TATA IPL 2024 campaign with a thrilling six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a dramatic opening match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
CSK vs RCB Match Report
A masterful bowling performance, led by Mustafizur Rahman’s 4/29, and a stunning debut by Rachin Ravindra set the stage for a nail-biting chase that CSK ultimately conquered with eight balls to spare.
The chase began with a burst of energy as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra hammered six fours and a six. However, RCB’s Impact Player, Yash Dayal, broke the partnership by dismissing Gaikwad. Ravindra continued his power-hitting until Karn Sharma struck, sending him back to the pavilion for a whirlwind 37 off 15 balls.
Ajinkya Rahane and Daryl Mitchell kept up the pressure before Cameron Green claimed both wickets in quick succession. With 64 needed off 45, the arrival of Shivam Dube (CSK’s Impact Player) and Ravindra Jadeja shifted the momentum back towards the home side. Their unbeaten partnership of 66* off 37 balls clinched the win for CSK.
Earlier, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and opted to bat first. Their innings got off to a flying start thanks to du Plessis’ aggressive batting, but Mustafizur Rahman turned the tide with two key wickets. Glenn Maxwell also fell cheaply, leaving RCB in trouble.
Despite Virat Kohli and Cameron Green rebuilding briefly, Mustafizur struck again, dismissing Kohli and Green in the same over. Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and Dinesh Karthik (38* off 26) put on a late attacking surge, propelling RCB to a competitive 173/6.
