For a fan in the area, it was one of those ideal games. Though your team wins the match, you get to witness your rival’s hero perform some magic. The Chennai Super Kings scored 176 for six thanks to a magnificent cameo from M.S. Dhoni (28 not out, 3×4, 2×6), which validated the enthusiastic welcome he received from his supporters at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium on Friday night. But, with eight wickets and one over remaining, the Lucknow Super Giants easily reached that mark.
With scores of 82, 53b, 9×4, and 3×6, the skipper, K.L. Rahul, led that chase appropriately. Quinton de Kock, his opening partner, kept him company (54, 43b, 5×4, 1×6). They enhanced one another well, and ensured the innings progressed at just the right pace.
They practically batted CSK out of the game with a partnership of 134, the second-highest of the season.
54 were created by the PowerPlay. The two gifted and appealing batters gave the impression that CSK’s fearsome onslaught was less than feasible.
Rahul stood out for his aesthetic appeal, particularly when he produced a stunning six off the back foot over point off Deepak Chahar, the pacer making his return from a niggle after two weeks out.