ZCZC
BSP-01
CRICKET-IND-IPL-RSA
Fantastic Faf steers Chennai to victory in IPL opener
NEW DELHI, Sept 20, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – South Africa’s Faf du Plessis took three
catches and hit a quick-fire half-century to guide Chennai Super Kings to victory as
the virus-hit Indian Premier League started in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
The cash-rich league is being played outside of India because of the coronavirus
pandemic, but organisers did their best to replicate the raucous atmosphere with
recorded crowd noise and cheerleaders on video screens.
Chennai, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni who retired from international cricket last
month, outplayed defending champions Mumbai Indians to win by five wickets in Abu
Dhabi.
Du Plessis made an unbeaten 58 and put on a key third-wicket stand of 115 with
Ambati Rayudu, who hit 71, to help Chennai chase down a target of 163 in 19.2 overs
and celebrate in the empty stadium.
“It was completely different from what we are used to having, so many people cheer
for us at the stadium,” Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma said after the loss.
“But we knew there won’t be anyone at the stadium. I think IPL did a great job
making sure that there is some noise going around, which was good. But this is the
new normal for us for a while.”
Dhoni’s bulging biceps also attracted much attention as the former India captain
strode out to lead Chennai more than a year after he last played for India in their
semi-final loss to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup.
“You had the liberty during lockdown to spend some time on yourself,” Dhoni said
after winning the toss and electing to field first.
“Could not do a lot of physical running and all, but yes, being at home for four-
five months what was the best thing to do so hit the gym, trying to do as much as
possible and maybe look fit.”
The fitness seemed to have rubbed on his teammates with Du Plessis taking three
outfield catches including two stunners to help check Mumbai to 162 for nine.
England’s Sam Curran smashed 18 off six balls after being sent up the order by
Dhoni who batted at seven and remained unbeaten with Du Plessis hitting the winning
runs.
“To be honest very surprised I went in but he’s a genius and he obviously thought
something,” Curran said of his captain.
“But great win in the end and great start. It was a six or out mentality so that’s
how you have got to play this game – go out and have a risk and if it comes off it
comes off and if it doesn’t it doesn’t.”
BSS/AFP/MMA/0900HRS