Chennai Super Kings introduced their fifth new opening pair of the season with Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway taking the crease as Vaibhav Arora opened the bowling for Kolkata Knight Riders.
It was an impressive start for Vaibhav, as he claimed the crucial wicket of Ayush Mhatre, who scored 0 runs off 2 balls, after the batter offered an easy catch to the point fielder.
Urvil Patel Lights Up the Powerplay
Urvil Patel, making his debut for CSK at number 3, came in next. The commentators shared highlights of his impressive domestic record as he launched a six, marking the beginning of his IPL career with a flourish.
Patel continued to impress, hitting Moeen Ali for 4, 6, and 4 off consecutive deliveries, making his debut one to remember. Despite getting hurt, Moeen managed to bounce back and dismiss Devon Conway, who also fell for 0 runs off 2 balls, leaving CSK with both openers out for a duck.
However, Urvil Patel showed confidence at the other end as Ravi Ashwin joined him. Harshit Rana was introduced in the third over by Rahane, but Urvil Patel continued his attacking play until Harshit Rana struck back, trapping him outside off stump as Urvil, attempting to smash the ball over cover, edged it to Varun Chakravarthy, who took a sharp catch.
Despite losing his wicket, it was a memorable debut for the youngster, scoring 31 runs off just 10 balls, including 3 massive sixes against KKR bowlers in the powerplay. CSK ended their third over at 37 for 3.
KKR makes a comeback
Ravindra Jadeja walked in next as Moeen Ali sought to keep the batters calm in the fourth over. However, Jadeja, in good form, took on Harshit Rana, hitting a six and a four. Unfortunately, Rana made a strong comeback by dismissing Ravi Ashwin for 8 runs off 7 balls, leaving CSK at 4 wickets down in the powerplay.
Varun Chakravarthy bowled the final over of the powerplay, where Jadeja began with a four down the ground, only to be bowled by Varun after an inside edge on the next ball. Just like that, CSK lost half their side within the powerplay, finishing the first 6 overs at 62 for 5.
Dube and Brevis Rebuild After Early Collapse
Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis took charge in the next four overs, applying calculated risk against Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. CSK concluded the first 10 overs with 93 for 5 on the scoreboard, requiring another 87 runs in the final 10 overs. Stay tuned for highlights of the last 10 overs as heavy winds and thrilling moments unfolded at the Eden Gardens.
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