Chennai Super Kings goes level with Somerset for elusive record in T20 cricket
Apr 23, 2024
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 23 : Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion Chennai Super Kings tied Somerset's record for most 200-plus totals in men's T20 cricket following Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sivam Dube's storm against the Lucknow Super Giants.
Gaikwad played an unbeaten knock of 108 while Dube scored 66. The yellow sea roaring in the stand also had a moment to witness Dhoni's masterclass walk in front of and smash the ball to the boundary in the last delivery of the final over.
Gaikwad and Dube's blitz powered CSK to 210/4 which was their 34th 200-plus total in the T20 cricket.
After the joint-highest scorers, the Indian men's team has 32 200-plus totals in the T20 format. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Yorkshire have 29 200-plus totals in the shortest-format cricket.
This was also CSK's 31st 200-plus total in the IPL, which is five more than the next-best tally of RCB - 26.
Put to bat first, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad resumed his role as an opener for the side alongside Ajinkya Rahane.
A brilliant catch behind the stumps from KL Rahul marked an early end to Rahane's game as he was dismissed by Matt Henry on just 1(3) in the very first over of the game.
Rahul decided to make an early shift to spin as he brought Ravi Bishnoi into the attack. Despite the early shock, Gaikwad showcased some explosive intent. However, Yash Thakur brought LSG back in the game as he removed Daryl Mitchell on just 11(10).
Gaikwad brought up his impressive fifty off 28 balls. The CSK captain and Ravindra Jadeja brought CSK back in full control as they lifted their side to the 100-run mark. Mohsin Khan finally broke the dangerous-looking CSK partnership after the dismissal of Jadeja on 16(19).
Dube then came out to bat and joined hands with Gaikwad to keep the scoreboard ticking. Gaikwad and Dube showcased explosive intent at the crease, charging LSG bowlers for powerful maximums and boundaries.
Dube in his usual big-hitting form smoked Yash Thakur with three back-to-back sixes, gathering 19 runs. With a stunning four, Gaikwad brought up his century in 56 balls in the 18th over while Dube quickly followed the captain with a half-century with a huge six. Dube was run out after scoring 66 runs.
Chennai crowd welcomed their favourite player MS Dhoni with loud shout as the legendary wicket-keeper batter came out and slammed a four to deep mid-wicket on the last ball, taking CSK's total to 210/4 in 20 overs.
