Mustafizur stars as CSK start title defence with comfortable win over RCB

Shivam Dube steered Chennai Super Kings to victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first game of the 2024 Indian Premier League.

Bangalore were reduced to 78-5, with Virat Kohli making 21, before Dinesh Karthik (38 not out) and Anuj Rawat (48) rallied to get them to 173-6.

Chennai’s Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman finished with 4-29.

The defending champions were 110-4 but Dube (38 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 not out) got them over the line.

Chennai did not select England all-rounder Moeen Ali, while the visitors left out his compatriots Tom Curran, Will Jacks and Reece Topley.

After Bangalore won the toss, openers Faf du Plessis and Kohli put on 41 before the former was dismissed for 35 off 23 balls.

But after Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell both went without scoring, Kohli fell and Cameron Green was bowled for 18, they looked in trouble at 78-5.

Karthik, whose unbeaten 38 came from 26 balls, and Rawat, with his 48 from 25 balls, got them to a competitive score.

Chennai raced to 38 without loss inside four overs before losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (15), while fellow opener Rachin Ravindra was dismissed for an impressive 37 off 15 balls to leave them 71-2 in the seventh.

Ajinkya Rahane (27) and Daryl Mitchell (22) helped the score along before Dube and Jadeja saw them home.

IPL continues Saturday with Punjab Kings taking on Delhi Capitals followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. (BBC)