Dhoni's Cool Finish Seals CSK's Thrilling Victory
In a thrilling IPL encounter at Eden Gardens, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a remarkable two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), successfully chasing a challenging 180-run target. This was CSK’s first successful chase of more than 180 runs since 2018, ending a six-year drought and marking a memorable comeback.
Batting first, KKR posted a competitive 179/6 in their 20 overs. Ajinkya Rahane (48), Andre Russell (38), and Sunil Narine (26) were the key contributors with the bat. CSK’s spin duo — Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja — applied pressure in the middle overs, with Noor grabbing four wickets.
CSK’s response began disastrously. The top order collapsed within the powerplay, leaving them reeling at 62/5. Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway fell without scoring, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t stabilize the innings. KKR’s Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy were lethal with the new ball.
Just when the game seemed out of reach, young Dewald Brevis stepped up with a fiery 52 off just 25 deliveries, smashing 4 boundaries and 4 sixes. Alongside him, Shivam Dube anchored the innings with a crucial 45 off 40 balls. The pair stitched together a 50-run partnership that reignited CSK’s hopes.
However, both set batters were eventually dismissed, leaving MS Dhoni as the last recognized batter. Under immense pressure, Dhoni showcased why he is still one of the coolest heads in the game. His unbeaten 17 off 18 balls wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what CSK needed. He rotated the strike smartly, picked the right bowlers to target, and ensured CSK crossed the line with two balls to spare.
KKR had their chances — early breakthroughs, a strong powerplay, and opportunities to tighten their grip — but a few fielding errors and missed executions at the death cost them dearly.
This win will be a major confidence booster for CSK moving forward in the season. Breaking the 180+ chase barrier after so long, under high pressure, proves the team still has the hunger and depth. Dewald Brevis’ explosive knock will certainly make him a player to watch this season, while Dhoni continues to lead with composure and intent.