CSK vs PBKS 2024 Match Report: Punjab Kings triumph over Chennai Super Kings, securing fifth consecutive win

Punjab Kings dominate Chennai at Chepauk

Punjab Kings chased down the target and defeated Chennai Super Kings by 7 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Their strong performance continues with a fifth consecutive win over Chennai, breaking the stronghold of Chepauk. They join Mumbai as the only other team to defeat Chennai five times in a row. CSK may have regretted being 20-25 runs short of a more competitive total, which could have added more excitement to the match.

Steady Start and Key Contributions

Punjab’s chase started steadily, despite an early setback with Prabhsimran Singh’s dismissal. Rilee Rossouw and Jonny Bairstow stayed composed, capitalising on loose deliveries and finding boundaries. By the end of the Powerplay, Punjab had a reasonable start with 52 runs.

Consistent boundary-hitting and controlled scoring kept the required run rate in check. Although Bairstow was dismissed in the tenth over, Rossouw's form prevented any panic. Punjab controlled the game with wickets in hand, while Sam Curran and Shashank Singh comfortably led the team to their fourth win of the season.

Chennai's Bowling Challenges

Chennai needed a miracle to defend a moderate target but faced an early setback when Deepak Chahar injured his hamstring in the first over. Debutant Richard Gleeson made an impact, taking his first wicket after a strong start. Chennai introduced spin early to apply pressure on the Punjab batters, but Shivam Dube, returning to bowling after two years, made an important breakthrough.

However, they struggled to control the run flow due to dewy conditions and predictable lines. Shardul Thakur dismissed Rossouw, but it was too late, and Chennai did not have enough runs to defend. Additionally, their bowling resources have been depleted, causing concern, especially with Mustafizur Rahman's departure for national duties.

Chennai's Batting Struggles

Earlier, Chennai batted first, and after a wicketless Powerplay, Punjab’s spinners disrupted their top order, taking three quick wickets in the middle overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane initially stabilised the innings, but after Rahane’s departure, Chennai’s scoring slowed down, leading to two more wickets.

Gaikwad’s determined 62 helped CSK post 162/7 in 20 overs. Although Moeen Ali tried to increase the rate with a brief cameo and MS Dhoni provided a late flourish, boundaries were scarce during the middle overs. Punjab started their chase strongly, with consistent contributions from their batters, and reached the target comfortably.