DC vs CSK, IPL 2021: It was the clash of the table toppers, both teams had already qualified for the playoffs, looked like a practice match before the finale. Hetmyer IPL 2021 says that he was out and lucky to survive.
Both teams had some changes in their lineups, giving their bench the chance to show up. For DC, Ripal Patel was the debutant who can hit the ball hard, While CSK gave Robin Utthapa a chance to have a go.
Batting first CSK could only get to 136 runs, thanks to Rayudu for his fabulous knock. Taking charge against the pacey Nortje, Rabada, and Avesh Khan hitting them for plenty.
The start was good from Faf and Gaikwad, going at a decent 10 runs an over. But Axar Patel was introduced to give an immediate breakthrough. He was excellent picking up two wickets and only giving 18 runs.
The pitch was favouring spinners as Ashwin too was brilliant in his spell. On the flip side, Ravindra Jadeja was ripping the reward from this pitch bowling accurately.
Late act from Rayudu gave CSK a total of 136 to defend. However, MS Dhoni was out of sync, playing at an unfamiliar strike rate of 66.67. The pitch was challenging, there is no doubt about that, but Dhoni could have managed more from his 27 deliveries.
In the second innings, Prithvi Shaw was in touch facing the new ball, however, he got carried away hitting one shot too many lost his wicket with scanty shot selection.
Dhawan held DC tight to get to the total until he too departed in the 15th over. He played some fantastic shots down the ground which includes two huge hits.
Lord Shardul was terrific picking up Dhawan and then a ripper to clean off Ashwin, who looked shocked.
The wicket of Dhawan opened the flood gate for CSK’s comeback. They did cramp DC not giving enough air to breathe, but Hetmyer took DC’s boat to shore.
A missed catch of Hetmyer in the 18th over from the substitute fielder Krishnappa Gowtham gave a lifeline. That was basically it from there. With some extras from Dwayne Bravo, DC had a touchdown.
Watch the highlights of DC vs CSK, IPL 2021.
DC vs CSK, post match presentation, Hetmyer IPL 2021.
MS Dhoni:
“We were looking to hit closer to 150. We failed to accelerate after the 15th-16th over as the platform was nice and I felt that it was a tough wicket. It was although a two-paced wicket as some balls come onto you and some don’t. However, the taller bowlers were getting movement from the pitch. It was a very good effort from the bowlers to take the game right till the end. Overall, I am very pleased with the effort from our bowlers.”
Shimron Hetmyer:
“I am basically paid to finish the games and I am happy to be able to do that today. I was out but lucky to survive. The plan was to take it as deep as possible and target the 19th over. It was easy for him as he had faced Bravo earlier as well and I am happy I could score a couple of boundaries off Bravo.”
Rishabh Pant:
“It is not a bad birthday present. In the powerplay, they came hard at us and got away but then came back stronger bowling good overs. It was a low total and is glad that they chased it down in the end. It’s a big win for us as we can assure a top-two finish.”
Axar Patel:
“When one bowls, the game plan remains the same but one needs to assess the pace of the pitch. CSK were 10 runs short in the powerplay which helped them. Ashwin gave him a couple of pointers in the field setting in order to make the batters hit square as the long boundaries were squarer. I am really happy and this game will boost our confidence going into the playoffs.”
