By Online Desk
DUBAI: Pacer Shardul Thakur took three wickets to help Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after a solid start in the final of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 here at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.
Openers Venkatesh Iyer and Shubnam Gill scored fifties to give their team a headstart to chase target 193 but rest of the batting line up faltered quickly in the second half the innings which ended with 165 runs.
Thakur took Iyer’s wicket to break the opening partnership which was the turning point of the game.
Earlier, CSK opener Faf du Plessis scored 86 not out to lead the team to target of 192/3 against KKR.
Openers Du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave the three-time champions a solid start which was backed by quick-fire innings by Robin Uthappa and Moeen Ali.
In-form Faf du Plessis saved his best for the last with a blazing 86 off 59 balls as Chennai Super Kings posted a formidable 192 for 3 against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL final here on Friday.
It was a ‘Daddies’ Day Out’ in the true sense as 37-year-old du Plessis, along with 35-year-olds Robin Uthappa (31 off 15 balls) and Moeen Ali (37 not out off 20 balls), set up a target for KKR which they would find difficult on a big Dubai International Stadium ground with premier batsman Rahul Tripathi injuring his calf muscle.
For KKR’s bowling unit, only Sunil Narine (2/26 in 4 overs) getting his length and variations in pace right.
(With PTI inputs)
