Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowlers executed their plans well on a slow pitch to hand Rajasthan Royals (RR) their third straight defeat. Chasing 142, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led the defending champions from the front, playing an unbeaten 42 knock to secure a comfortable win. With this win, CSK now has a real shot of making the playoffs. On the other side, RR fans might be dejected and the Sanju Samson-led side needs just a win from two matches to book their playoff berth.

Opting to bat first, RR scored only 61 runs in the first ten overs. CSK’s seamer Simarjeet Singh continued his wicket-taking run against the Royals as the 26-year-old pacer dismissed three top-order batters. The right-arm bowler bagged Yashasvi Jaiswal (24), Jos Buttler (21), and Sanju Samson (15) with fine bowling effort.

Leading the Royals’ fightback, in-form Riyan Parag played a crucial knock of unbeaten 47. Dhruv Jurel produced a 28-run cameo, helping RR to post 141/5 in 20 overs. Speedster Tushar Deshpande bagged a brace of wickets, turning the tie into a low-scoring encounter in Chennai.

In reply, CSK opener Rachin Ravindra scored 27 off 18 balls while Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 22. Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube did not make a big impact and departed for 10 and 18 respectively. Ravindra Jadeja walked off the field after the third umpire gave an out decision for obstructing the field. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up two wickets for RR. Impact player Sameer Rizvi (15*) clinched victory in style by hitting consecutive boundaries.