Our Bureau
Kolkata
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ended a six-year drought by successfully chasing down a 180-plus total, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a nail-biting two-wicket win at Eden Gardens stadium on Wednesday. The victory not only broke CSK’s 12-match losing streak in high chases but also eliminated defending champions KKR from playoff contention, despite both teams being out of the race themselves.
Chasing 180, CSK found themselves in deep trouble at 60 for 5, but young Dewald Brevis turned the tide with a blistering 52 off just 25 balls. Shivam Dube added a crucial 45, keeping the chase alive. The finishing touches came from veteran skipper MS Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 17, including a trademark six in the final over, steering his side home with just two balls to spare.
KKR’s bowlers, led by Vaibhav Arora (3/48), Harshit Rana (2/43), and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/18), kept the pressure on, but CSK’s lower order held their nerve. Earlier, KKR’s captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 48, supported by Andre Russell (38) and Manish Pandey (36*), as the visitors posted 179 for 6. CSK’s Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets to restrict KKR’s charge.
This was the first time since 2019 that CSK managed to chase a target of 180 or more, ending a streak that had seen them lose 12 consecutive matches in similar situations. Only Punjab Kings (15) have a longer run of failed 180-plus chases in IPL history.
CSK’s chase also became the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history after being 75 or fewer for 5 wickets, underlining the team’s resilience. The only higher such chase came earlier this season when Delhi Capitals chased 210 after being 65 for 5 against LSG.
The win, though inconsequential for CSK’s playoff hopes, was a morale booster and a reminder of MS Dhoni’s enduring legacy as a finisher and tactician.
