Top 5 Memorable Matches of CSK in IPL

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Chennai Super Kings is one of the most loved teams in the Indian Premier League. Consistency has been their hallmark as this MS Dhoni-led franchise knows how to win titles. They don’t believe in tinkering the squad too much and show trust in their player’s abilities. Pundits often point out this very reason for CSK to be so consistent over the years.

CSK has been part of the IPL in 10 seasons and won the trophy on three occasions. They have qualified for the knockouts every time, besides ending up being runners-up on 4 of them.

In this article, we look at 5 memorable matches of CSK in IPL:

IPL 2010: CSK VS KXIP, Match 54:

A must-win game was this for Chennai Super Kings to qualify for the semi-finals of 2010 IPL. Kings Eleven Punjab, on the other hand, was already out of contention.

Shaun Marsh started brilliantly for Punjab and laid the foundation for a massive total in the first innings. Marsh scored 88 runs off 57 balls, while Irfan Pathan played a great cameo in the final overs to take Kings Eleven to 192 runs in 20 overs.

In reply, CSK lost both their openers early, but Suresh Raina and Badrinath then steadied the ship and laid the stage for Dhoni’s heroics in the end.

Needing 16 runs in the final over, Dhoni smashed a four and two sixes to win the match with two balls remaining in the end. MS Dhoni scored 54 runs off 29 balls and helped CSK reach semi-finals of the tournament.

IPL 2010: CSK vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 32

2010 edition saw some of the most memorable matches of CSK in IPL history. The game is best known for Murali Vijay’s knock in IPL. Vijay got going right from the onset and completely ripped apart Rajasthan’s bowling attack.

He hit 8 fours and 11 sixes en-route to his match-winning 127 off just 56 balls as CSK notched the then highest score of 246 runs in IPL. Rajasthan Royals too gave a tough fight but fell short of 23 runs in the end.

IPL 2012: CSK VS RCB, Match 13

As many as 4 half-centuries and over 400 runs were scored but the game is best known for Albie Morkel’s onslaught in the 19th over of the innings.

On the back of a couple of stellar knocks from Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, RCB notched a mammoth 205-run total in the first innings.

CSK started off steadily and in the end, needed a massive 43 runs off the last 12 balls. RCB were confident of winning the game. However, Albie Morkel smacked 28 runs in the 19th over of the game to pull off an impossible victory for Chennai Super Kings. CSK won that game by 5 wickets.

IPL 2010: CSK VS MI, FINAL

The 2010 IPL final is one of the most memorable games for CSK. MS Dhoni led CSK to their first IPL title after beating Mumbai Indians in the final.

CSK didn’t start off pretty well in the first innings, having lost 3 wickets for 67 in 11 overs. However, skipper MS Dhoni took upon himself and escalated the run-rate in his style. He joined hands with Suresh Raina to stitch a match-turning 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Raina scored a fine half-century as CSK notched 168 runs in 20 overs.

Ravi Ashwin opened the bowling with a maiden over. Bowlers bowled tight lengths and continued building pressure throughout the innings. Mumbai Indians ended up scoring 149, handing CSK 22-run victory.

IPL 2018: CSK VS MI, FINAL

Coming into the league after two years of suspension, nobody expected a dad’s army to win the title straightaway. 2018 final victory was indeed the most memorable win for CSK.

SRH had no answer to Shane Watson’s assault, who scored 117 runs off 57 balls. Watson’s unbeaten knock cruised CSK to an 8-wicket win over SRH in the final.

Earlier, SRH scored 178 runs in their 20 overs, courtesy couple of great knocks from K Williamson and Yusuf Pathan.

Also Read: Top 5 knocks of MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings in IPL