IPL: Gaikwad, Conway script CSK’s big win

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad made merry in Delhi, enjoying the kind of batting conditions David Warner had hoped to maximise for home advantage. It allowed Chennai Super Kings to dominate from start to finish in a 77-run win and assure themselves of a playoff berth, and a No. 2 spot.*

Up next for them are Gujarat Titans, the defending champions, on their home turf at Chepauk in Qualifier 1.

For Capitals, the end was as tame as the start of the season. Warner was the only top-order batter to show any semblance of form and consistency throughout.

His 86 off 58 had its thrilling moments, particularly against Ravindra Jadeja, but the collapse around him meant everything he did was merely limiting damage.

MS Dhoni felt it was a dry surface. Warner agreed. So it was no surprise to see spin early in the powerplay. But CSK’s approach two overs in told you the surface seemed better than anticipated.

Conway stepped out to launch Lalit Yadav’s offbreak for his first six, the season’s 1000th, in the second over to begin the sixathon.

It was no different even when there was pace on the ball. Khaleel Ahmed was flicked disdainfully and when Anrich Nortje went short into the body, Conway cleverly got inside the line to ramp for four.

CSK’s fifty was up in just the fifth over, with Gaikwad and Conway going almost neck and neck. (ESPNcricinfo)