IPL 2022 | Epic Moeen and Rampaging Conway help CSK thump DC by 91 runs

An epic spell of bowling by Moeen Ali and belligerent knock from Devon Conway has spearheaded defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a commanding 91-run win over the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night.

The game turned out to be a one-sided affair in the end, but that wasn't the case when the likes of David Warner, Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Marsh were wielding their bat in the first six overs.

Chasing 209, the Capitals got off to a blistering start as cameos from Warner (19 off 12) and Marsh (25 off 20) guided them to 59/2. Mahesh Theekshana dismissed Warner, but Pant came out all guns blazing, hammering four fours, including three in a row of the former, to race his way to 19 off 7.

However, the game changed dramatically after Moeen Ali came into the attack in the 8th over.

Ali took out Marsh (holed out at long-on) and Pant (chopped on) within his first 12 deliveries to reduce DC to 75/4.

Unfortunately for DC, that was just the start of a slide as Ali chipped in with the wicket of Ripal Patel while Mukesh Choudhary got rid of Rovman Powell and Axar Patel in quick succession to leave them gasping for breath at 85/7.

Moeen Ali finished with barely believable figures of 3/13 in 4 overs.

Kuldeep managed a painstaking 17-ball 5 before perishing to Simarjeet. Shardul delayed the inevitable by wielding his willow in the end before Dwayne Bravo hammered the final nail in the coffin. 

Ruthless Conway & Dhoni's finishing touches propelled CSK to 208

Earlier, the Chennai Super Kings rode on yet another blistering opening partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad (41 off 33) and Devon Conway (87 off 49 deliveries) and a final flourish from skipper MS Dhoni (21* off 8 deliveries) to hammer yet another 200+ total this season.

Conway smashed his 3rd consecutive half-century in what was a stunning display of batsmanship from the southpaw, while his partner Ruturaj played the anchor role to great effect.

The duo added 110 runs in just 10.5 overs before Anrich Nortje sent Gaikwad packing.

Conway continued his onslaught against both pace and spin. He was particularly severe against Kuldeep Yadav, smashing the left-arm wrist-spinner for three fours and as many sixes.

Kuldeep endured a tough night with the ball as he returned with costly figures of 0/43 in three. 

Conway, meanwhile, found an able ally in Shivam Dube, who took his liking to Shardul Thakur and smoked him for a couple of fours and a six in the 16th over.

It's worth noting that Dube (32 off 19 deliveries) was dropped by Axar Patel after he mistimed an attempted slice on the offside.

Dube's knock was ended by Mitchell Marsh in the next over.

Dhoni came out to bat amid raucous reception, and he proceeded to set the stadium on fire by smashing Marsh for a four and a six.

Conway's brilliant knock of 87 was finally ended by Khaleel Ahmed, who again proved to be the pick of the bowlers for his team.

The left-arm seamer conceded just 28 runs in 4 overs besides claiming two wickets.

Uthappa and Moeen perished for the cause, but Dhoni ensured he stayed till the end to take CSK to 208.

Brief Scores:

Chennai Super Kings: 208/6 (20)

Devon Conway 87 (49), Ruturaj Gaikwad 41 (33), MS Dhoni 21* (8); Khaleel Ahmed 2/28 (4)

Delhi Capitals: 117/10 (17.4)

Mitchell Marsh 25 (20), David Warner 19 (12); Moeen Ali 3/13 (4), Mukesh Choudhary 2/22 (3), Simarjeet Singh 2/27 (4)

Match Result: CSK won by 91 runs