Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their second match of the IPL 2020 tournament after three consecutive losses. It was a dominating performance by the CSK batsmen as they won the match by 10 wickets.
CSK skipper MS Dhoni is hoping for similar performance and result for them in the upcoming matches. They need to create a streak of victories to stay in the contention for playoffs.
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis, the Super Kings openers broke the record of the highest opening stand for them of 159 runs which was set by Mike Hussey and Murali Vijay in IPL 2011. Watson and Du Plessis added 179 runs for the first wicket and chased down the target well inside the 20 overs.
"I think we did the small things. That's what was important to us. The kind of start we got in batting, that's what we needed. Hopefully, we'll be able to replicate this in the coming games. [Watson] It's not about being more aggressive. He was hitting it well in the nets and what you need is to do that in the middle. It was just a matter of time.
"Faf is like a sheet anchor for us, keeps playing those shots in the middle. He can always confuse the bowler with the lap shots and all coming in," Dhoni told the host broadcaster Star Sports after the match.
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Watson was out of touch in the first four matches, but he fought back with an unbeaten 83. His opening partner, Faf continued his good form with an 87 not out off 53 balls.
CSK management went with the same playing XI despite loss in the last game. Dhoni credited coach Stephen Fleming and said, "It is something that we bank [consistency in selection] and sometimes Fleming doesn't get as much credit. The good thing is we have one plan. It's not that we don't have debates, but it's one plan, that's the relationship between us."
"I feel looking at the first 3-4 games, what you really think is you restrict them to as little as possible and that can add pressure. Every team has furious hitters who can disrupt the bowling and our bowlers did well. We needed momentum with the right kind of shots. Watto (Watson) and Faf backed themselves with the shots they're known for," he added.
CSK will look to continue the same form against Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on October 7.
(With ANI Inputs)
