DUBAI, Oct 30, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Ravindra Jadeja hit the last two balls for six
to secure a tense morale-boosting win for Chennai Super Kings over Kolkata
Knight Riders that only helped their old rivals Mumbai Indians.
The six-wicket victory for Chennai, who have failed to qualify for the IPL
playoffs for the first time, meant that reigning champions Mumbai were first
to claim one of the four playoff places in this year’s tournament.
Nitish Rana hit 87 and Dinesh Karthik helped out with 21 from 10 balls as
Kolkata made 172-5 off their 20 overs in Dubai.
Chennai made a slow start, needing 72 from Ruturaj Gaikwad, one of the
young players that captain M.S. Dhoni is relying on to rejuvenate the ailing
three-time champions, to keep them in the game.
Dhoni went for one run and India allrounder Jadeja came in with his side
needing 33 off 16 balls.
With 10 required off the final over, Kamlesh Nagarkoti gave away only three
runs off the first four balls but Jadeja then smashed two big sixes to take
Chennai to 178-4 and victory.
“He has been the only batsman in our team who has taken the job of scoring
in the last few overs,” Dhoni said in a tribute to Jadeja, a rare performer
in a disappointing season for big-spending Chennai.
Defeat for Kolkata meant Eoin Morgan’s side need near rivals Rajasthan
Royals and King’s XI Punjab to lose games if they are to qualify.