MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the team to punch its ticket to the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) in the first Qualifier on Sunday (October 10). After being asked to bat first, DC put up a big total of 172/5 on the board.

Courtesy of half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa and Dhoni’s cameo, CSK emerged on the top as they chased down the total in the final over. While Gaikwad and Uthappa played a major role in the win, it was Dhoni’s heroics towards the end which sealed the deal for CSK as both the settled batsmen were back in the pavilion before the chase was completed.

Dhoni took the onus and decided to bat before Ravindra Jadeja. The move turned out to be a great one and he remained unbeaten on 18 off 6.

The CSK skipper is being lauded on various platforms for his heroics and also drew praise from Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Delhi Capitals too couldn’t resist praising Dhoni and shared an emotional tweet after the defeat. “Did you have to do it against us Mahi bhai?” the franchise wrote on Twitter.

With 113 runs on the board at the loss of just 1 wicket, CSK were in contention to scale the chase early but DC made a comeback towards the end. Anrich Nortje dismissed Uthappa for 63 while Tom Curran dismissed Shardul Thakur and Moeen Ali.

Gaikwad’s wicket in the 19th over further jeopardised CSK’s hopes. Dhoni took the onus after the opener’s wicket and hit a six off the 2nd ball he faced.

He completed the chase with three back-to-back boundaries off Tom Curran, who was preferred over Kagiso Rabada to bowl the final over. Courtesy of their win in the first Qualifier, CSK now have a long 4-day off and will now be in action in the final on October 15.

DC are still in contention and will face the winner of the Eliminator in the 2nd Qualifier on Wednesday (October 13).