Dhoni’s half-century fails to secure CSK win in IPL opener

Batting first, CSK set a target of 131 runs, which the Kolkata Knight Riders won with ease. KKR batsman Ajinkya Rahane hit 44, and for Chennai, Dwayne Bravo picked up three wickets.

Dhoni’s half-century fails to secure CSK win in IPL opener

Mumbai: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was out of form in the last few matches, finally gained his lost form and scored 50 runs in just 38 balls. Despite his whirlwind knock, Chennai Super Kings failed to secure a win.

In the Indian Premier League's season opener, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets (IPL).

Batting first, CSK set a target of 131 runs, which the Kolkata Knight Riders won with ease. KKR batsman Ajinkya Rahane hit 44, and for Chennai, Dwayne Bravo picked up three wickets.

Chennai missed the service. Its regular opener, Faf du Plessis, who used to give a solid start, is now part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Conway, who opened the innings for CSK, scored three runs for the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was in brilliant touch in the last IPL, scored zero. In the power play, Chennai were able to score just 35 runs, losing two wickets. Robin Uthappa scored 28 out of 21 deliveries. Ambati Rayudu scored only 15 and Shivam Dube scored zero for the team.

Dhoni's score of an unbeaten 50 runs in 38 balls did not help CSK. MS Dhoni hit seven fours and a six in his unbeaten half-century in a vintage knock for the Chennai Super Kings.

KKR's Ajinkya’s 44, Sam Billings' 25 in 22 deliveries, and Nitish Rana’s 21 off 17 deliveries helped the team win the first match of the 15th edition of the IPL.