Super Kings retain hope after crushing Royal Challengers

Ruturaj Gaikwad struck his maiden IPL half-century as Chennai Super Kings eased to an eight-wicket triumph.

 
 

Chennai Super Kings rekindled their slim Indian Premier League play-off hopes with a resounding eight-wicket triumph over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.

The Super Kings had managed just one win in their previous six games but belied that poor run of form with a fine all-round performance in Dubai.

Bangalore had the chance to go top of the table but a total of 145-6 was not enough, despite a defiant half-century from captain Virat Kohli and 39 from AB de Villiers.

Sam Curran claimed 3-19 while Mitchell Santner returned figures of 1-23 from his four overs, setting up the opportunity for Chennai's batsmen to deliver a much-needed result.

Ruturaj Gaikwad led the way at the top of the order, finishing up unbeaten on 65 not out after sharing stands worth 46 and 67 with Faf du Plessis (25) and Ambati Rayudu (39) respectively.

Skipper MS Dhoni made 19 not out as his side cruised to their target with eight balls to spare, a victory that moves them off the bottom of the standings.

SAM THE MAN FOR A CHALLENGE

In a difficult campaign, Curran has shone for the Super Kings. The England all-rounder has performed whatever role required efficiently and is now his franchise's leading wicket-taker in 2020.

His left-arm seam accounted for a trio of big names, as he dismissed Aaron Finch early on before returning to take out international team-mate Moeen Ali and the key wicket of Kohli in the 19th over.

CHENNAI OPEN TO CHANGE

Gaikwad recorded his maiden half-century in the Twenty20 tournament, producing a fluent 51-ball innings that included three sixes.

The right-hander, 23, completed the job in style, pulling a Chris Morris short ball over the boundary. It was a far cry from his previous knock too, having fallen for a duck against Mumbai Indians last time out.