Chennai Super Kings vs Pune Warriors – IPL 5 – Match Recap
Shrewd batting and tight bowling helped Chennai Super Kings to get their campaign on track as they overcame a resolute Pune Warriors by 13 runs, at their home stadium, MA Chidambaram, Chepauk, April 20, 2012.
After losing their previous match against the same opposition, Chennai were hoping for a swift turnaround which had seen them lose three of their first five games. With their all-rounder, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DE-Bollinger-c1348 was drafted into the playing XI in a bid to add spark to their bowling lineup.
Also, there was change in their opening combination with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Vijay-c1867. The start was cautious, owing to pitch which had variable bounce, before it blossomed to put the defending champions in the driving seat.
After collecting just 9 from the first three overs, du Plessis and Badrinath cut loose to play with controlled authority. With the Warriors’ missing their premier bowler, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ashok-Dinda-c1098, they failed to make inroads as the pair posted the first century stand of the current edition, 116 in 15.3 overs.
Du Plessis looked the more fluent despite being handed a reprieve on 40 by Robin Uthappa, who missed a stumping chance. He went on to make his second fifty of the IPL, before his partner joined him with a half-century of his own.
Both departed in the same over off Marlon Samuels, and were soon followed by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 ensured that his side ended strongly – bludgeoning his way to an unbeaten 28 off 12, which included couple of his trademark helicopter shots.
His late flurry propelled his side to 164 for 5 – nine runs more from the previous total they posted against the Warriors.
The task was always going to be a tough one for the away team due to the slowness of the track, and was made tougher, following some excellent fielding display from the Chennai outfit. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Ashwin-c2228.
His partner followed him a couple of overs later - this time Dwayne Bravo completed a fine catch, running in from fine leg. The double strikes from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sourav-Chandidas-Ganguly-c90746 (24) and Manish Pandey adding a quick fire 27 – which included 18 from a Bollinger’s over.
The induction of spin changed the complexion of the game as Ashwin, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Bravo-c1379; put a considerable check on the run-rate.
Bravo took out Pandey, while Ganguly perished off Jakati to leave the visitors in a bit of bother at 4 for 64. Pune’s overseas contingent kept fighting on, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913 (27) all scoring some quick runs.
With 21 needed off the last over, a somewhat probable task, the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Warriors-c861 managed just 7 – leading to a much-needed win for the defending champions.
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