Chennai Super Kings made a commanding statement by choosing to bat first against Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2023 clash in Delhi on Saturday. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad spearheaded the CSK innings, propelling them to a formidable total of 223/3.
The opening duo stitched together a magnificent partnership of 141 runs in just 14.3 overs before Gaikwad was dismissed by Chetan Sakariya after scoring a brilliant 79 off 50 deliveries. Conway took charge from there, joining forces with Shivam Dube, who unleashed a quickfire 22 off just 9 balls before falling victim to Khaleel Ahmed’s bowling.
Conway continued his splendid form but eventually departed for a well-made 87 off 52 balls, with Anrich Nortje claiming his wicket. Ravindra Jadeja concluded the innings with a brisk 7-ball 20, which included three boundaries and a six, adding valuable runs to the CSK total.
In the 5th over of the Delhi Capitals’ innings, an amusing incident unfolded when David Warner, while attempting to take a run on an overthrow, playfully imitated Ravindra Jadeja’s signature sword celebration. The crowd erupted in laughter and cheer as they witnessed Warner’s lighthearted gesture.
As Deepak Chahar prepared to deliver his third over, David Warner greeted him with an impressive display of power, smashing a six and a four. Warner then cleverly rotated the strike on the third ball, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
However, Chahar swiftly turned the tables in his favor. He dismissed Phil Salt, who mistimed his shot and found himself caught by Ajinkya Rahane at covers, departing after scoring just 3 runs from 6 deliveries.
In the very next delivery, Chahar struck again, this time sending Rilee Rossouw back to the pavilion without scoring a single run. Rossouw’s attempt to drive a ball pitched outside off resulted in an inside edge, crashing back onto his stumps, leading to a first-ball duck for the batsman.