IPL 2023 CSK vs RCB: Du Plessis, Maxwell’s knocks go in vain as Chennai keep Bangalore’s epic chase at bay to win the clash by 8 runs

IPL 2023 CSK vs RCB: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) smashed 226/6 in a whirlwind innings batting first and while it looked like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) might struggle to challenge in the chase at first, they made the four-time champions an almighty scare and came within eight runs of the target.

IPL 2023 CSK vs RCB: Du Plessis, Maxwell’s marvelous knocks go in vain

Captain Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell’s sensational third wicket stand put the total well within grasp for the hosts. The pair smashed the ball to all parts of the ground before Maxwell finally fell on 76 off 36 balls. The partnership between him and Du Plessis produced a whopping 126 runs in just 61 balls.

Du Plessis eventually fell for 62 off 33 but RCB kept going. Dinesh Karthik came into the party and smacked 28 off 14 balls. It was after his wicket that CSK started getting a clear sight at victory. In the end, they needed to defend 19 runs in the last over and they ended up winning by eight runs, with RCB making 218/8 and still losing the T20 match.

Both the sides would have plenty to ponder upon

It is CSK who has won the game but both sides have plenty to ponder upon. RCB’s bowling once against was not up to the mark CSK on the other hand despite creating enough opportunities their fielding has let them down. With the bat for RCB, it has been usual suspects Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik with a cameo at the end almost did the job. Apart from them none of the others raised their hands to contribute.

MS Dhoni too would be going back to his drawing board and reassessing his side’s bowling and fielding performance. However, having said all that it has been a terrific punching and counter-punching from two heavyweights of the IPL. The fans have been thoroughly entertained by the clash.

Slinga Pathirana: The young Sri Lankan that impressed us all

Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana, referred back home as Baby Malinga because of a similar bowling action, made the same impact in the death overs as his renowned compatriot. His wicket-and-four runs 18th over decisively swung the match in CSK’s favour. Pathirana even earned his skipper’s approval with the wicket of Shahbaz, as Dhoni flashed a warm smile and a word of encouragement.

Newcomer Parnell then struggled to read Pathirana, whose wide arm action troubled the South African. He then fooled Hasaranga and Prabhudesai in the last over with slower ones and yorkers to seal the deal for CSK. Move over Slinga Malinga. There’s now a Slinga Pathirana.

Thank you for reading.