Sarfaraz lights up Chepauk as CSK seize control early
Chennai Super Kings took charge at the end of the powerplay, reducing Delhi Capitals to a shaky position and shifting the pressure firmly onto the chase. The first strategic timeout came with CSK well ahead, both in discipline with the ball and intensity in the field.
Khaleel Ahmed set the tone by breaking a brisk 61-run opening stand, removing KL Rahul for 18. Anshul Kamboj followed it up with a tight sixth over, conceding just five runs and dismissing the in-form Pathum Nissanka. From a steady start, Delhi slipped quickly, losing wickets at regular intervals and struggling to keep pace with the required rate.
Debut strike and fielding brilliance turn the game
The moment of the innings came immediately after the powerplay. Gurjapneet Singh struck with his very first ball in the IPL, dismissing Axar Patel. Gurjapneet takes Wicket on the first ball on IPL debut, it was a short, wide delivery that invited the cut, but Axar failed to keep it down. At backward point, Sarfaraz Khan reacted instantly, diving full length to his right to complete a sharp catch. It was a low, fast chance, taken cleanly under pressure.
Sarfaraz had already made an impact earlier with a direct hit to run out Rahul, and his energy in the field lifted the side. Within a span of eight balls, Delhi lost three wickets for just five runs, leaving them in trouble.
At the timeout, Delhi still needed 147 runs from 84 balls, but the momentum had clearly swung. CSK, backed by the home crowd, looked in control and showed clear intent to dominate the contest.