IPL 2021: Raina, Curran help CSK set 188-7 in first innings against DC

If Raina set the platform, it was Sam Curran's explosiveness late in the innings that allowed Chennai to finish the proceedings in style. Jadeja too was crucial at the fag end, stitching a crucial partnership with Curran as both the batters took DC's bowlers upfront, striking them all over the ground.

Mumbai: Suresh Raina (54 off 36 balls) made a sensational comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he saved Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after the latter suffered early blows, taking them to a challenging first innings score of 188-7 here at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

If Raina set the platform, it was Sam Curran's (34 off 15 balls) explosiveness late in the innings that allowed Chennai to finish the proceedings in style. Jadeja too was crucial at the fag end, stitching a crucial partnership with Curran as both the batters took DC's bowlers upfront, striking them all over the ground.

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A clinical bowling display by Avesh Khan, who struck early, Tom Curran and Chris Woakes saw CSK struggling to score runs in the first half of the innings, but Raina's lusty blows in the middle of it made sure the team remained in the game and not lose track.

Moeen Ali (36 off 24) and Ambati Raidu (23 off 16) made significant contributions, but both the players couldn't continue after getting good starts which hurt the team.

However, if there is anything Chennai would take in their stride is the form of these four batsmen as the team will bank heavily on them in the matches to come.

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Much to the disappointment of fans, CSK skipper MS Dhoni's presence on the crease was very brief as he got out without scoring off Avesh Khan. But a vintage Curran made sure that the team gets to a comfortable score, thanks to the late bombardment of fours and sixes from his bat.