On this day, back in 2021, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings clinched their fourth Indian Premier League trophy with a comprehensive 27-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Faf du Plessis was the star of the show as he notched up 86 from 59 balls, featuring seven fours and three sixes, that powered CSK to a total of 192. Defending this total, Shardul Thakur stepped up and restricted Kolkata Knight Riders to 165 runs.
Kolkata Knight Riders made a strong start to their chase with a 91-run opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill. The tide turned after two economical overs from Dwayne Bravo. Shardul Thakur was the key man in the 11th over when he provided the breakthrough, dismissing Venkatesh Iyer as he attempted to clear mid-off.
Kolkata Knight Riders lost their way as Nitish Rana lost his wicket just two balls later and this saw the side collapse and lose their last 8 wickets for just 71 runs.
Earlier in the evening, KKR captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and elected to field. His bowlers made a promising start with Shakib Al Hasan and Shivam Mavi conceding just nine runs in the first two overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who went on to bag the IPL 2021 Orange Cap, accelerated the scoring as Chennai Super Kings reached 50 runs in the first powerplay.
Sunil Narine dismissed Ruturaj on the first ball of the ninth over, but Faf du Plessis took over the mantle and continued to motor on. He combined with Robin Uthappa for a 63-run partnership for the second wicket before Narine struck again.
Faf du Plessis, who had already reached his half-century, did not stop and kept attacking and was given great support by England all-rounder Moeen Ali. Together, they added 68 runs in 39 balls as CSK approached the 200-run mark. Shivam Mavi bowled a tight final over, but CSK ended with 192 for 3 and this proved to be a bridge too far for KKR.
It was the perfect comeback for Dhoni and his team as they had missed out on the play-offs berth for the first time in the history of the tournament in 2020.
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