Moeen Ali’s impressive performance both with the bat and ball on Monday helped Chennai Super Kings register an impressive 45-run victory against Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL competition. Ali scored 26 in 20 balls before taking three wickets that proved key in restricting Rajasthan Royals to 143-9 in 20 overs.
Batting first, the CSK had amassed 188-9 in 20 overs with emerging as the top scorer with 33 runs in 17 balls.
Rajasthan Royals began their run chase on a positive note as they made 87-2 in 11 overs, but they suffered a batting collapse of sorts after Jos Buttler was out in the 12th over. Buttler made 49 in 37 balls.
The tormentor-in-chief for Rajasthan Royals was Moeen Ali, who finished with a spell of 3-7 in just three overs. Three batsmen dismissed by Ali were David Miller, Riyan Parag and Chris Morris.
Reacting to his side’s loss, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson said, “I think it was a good score to chase down, but we lost too many wickets in the middle. I think our bowlers bowled really well but they batted very deep. Maybe 10-15 runs extra conceded in the end. We never expected that from the spinners. The dew didn’t come, the ball was turning and that was a bit shocking to see. I think it’s very important to maintain a good composure throughout the tournament. This format demands scoring runs at a high risk rate. Sakariya has been doing really well. We’ve lost but definitely there are positives.”
Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, “I always look at what’s the best to do at any point of time. When you keep doing it, the bowlers are always under the pump in the Powerplay. Deepak there was a bit of miscalculation with the knuckle delivery. So I felt a good start was important. Even the wet ball was spinning. I don’t really mind Jos playing reverse sweep. If the wet ball was turning then the chance of the dry ball turning is high. It was good to have Moeen, it was turning a bit. The wicket became a bit more sticky. Glad we scored 180, I thought we could have got more. The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game. A lot has changed. The way we have prepared, the way we have turned down. The bowlers have been under the pump last year also, so they’re used t the conditions. Getting old and being fit – those are two difficult things! When you’re playing you don’t want anyone to call you unfit. I have to keep up with youngers guys, they run a lot, but it’s always challenging.”
Ali was declared Man Of The Match for his all-round performance. Speaking after the match, the English all-rounder said that he pleased both with his batting and bowling in equal measure.