Delhi Capitals Secure Third Consecutive IPL Victory Against Chennai Super Kings

Delhi Capitals Triumph at Chepauk After 15 Years

The Delhi Capitals (DC) continued their impressive run in the ongoing IPL, achieving a 25-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, thanks to KL Rahul's outstanding performance and disciplined bowling.

This win marked DC's first at the Chepauk Stadium in 15 years, while CSK's struggles persisted this season.

Batting first, DC set a target of 183 runs for six wickets, with Rahul showcasing his blend of elegance and power, scoring 77 runs off 51 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

Tristan Stubbs contributed with a quick 24 runs off 12 balls, but Matheesha Pathirana (1/31) bowled a stellar final over, limiting DC's scoring potential.

In response, CSK managed to score only 158 runs for five wickets in their 20 overs, disappointing the home crowd that filled the stands.

Vijay Shankar was the top scorer for CSK with 69 runs off 54 balls, while MS Dhoni remained not out at 30 runs from 26 balls.

CSK faced early setbacks, losing three wickets during the powerplay, which put them on the back foot on a challenging pitch.

Mitchell Starc (1/27) and Mukesh Kumar (1/36) made early breakthroughs, with Starc dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad (5) and Kumar sending Rachin Ravindra (3) back to the pavilion.

Devon Conway (13), a crowd favorite who replaced Jamie Overton, also fell cheaply, leading to CSK's precarious position at 41 for three in the sixth over.

Tristan Stubbs, after taking a fine catch to dismiss Shivam Dube, dropped a crucial catch off Vijay Shankar when he was on 27, allowing him to build momentum with Dhoni.

Dhoni, who faced criticism for batting at number nine in a previous match, entered the game at a critical moment but couldn't deliver the big hits needed as DC claimed victory.

DC's innings began with a setback as Khaleel Ahmed (2/25) took the wicket of opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was caught after a pressure-filled first over.

Despite the early loss, DC managed to score 51 runs in the powerplay, largely due to Abhishek Porel's aggressive 33 runs off 20 balls, capitalizing on Mukesh Choudhary's wayward bowling.

Khaleel returned to bowl another excellent over, while Choudhary improved in his second spell.

Rahul broke the shackles with a six off Khaleel, and CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad introduced spin with Ravichandran Ashwin in the sixth over, seeking a breakthrough.

The much-needed wicket came soon after, as Porel fell to Matheesha Pathirana after a soft dismissal, which he would regret after settling in well.

Axar Patel started his innings with a six off Jadeja but also fell after a promising start, scoring 21 runs off 14 balls.

Rahul, meanwhile, struck two sixes off Noor Ahmad and Jadeja, reaching his 38th IPL fifty off 33 balls, and formed a solid partnership with Sameer Rizvi (20 off 15 balls), adding 56 runs for the fourth wicket.