Raina, Dhoni lead CSK revival

Suresh Raina struck a fighting half-century before MS Dhoni provided a late push with an unbeaten 44 as Chennai Super Kings overcame a slow start to post a fighting 179 for four against Delhi Capitals in an IPL match, here Wednesday.

Raina (59) and Faf du Plessis (39) added 83 runs for the second wicket to revive the innings after Delhi Capitals bowlers produced tight spells upfront.

Later, skipper MS Dhoni, who returned to the side after recovering from a bout of fever, and Ravindra Jadeja added some quick runs to provide a late flourish to the innings.

Dhoni hit unbeaten 44 off 22 balls with four fours and three sixes while Jadeja smashed 25 off 10 with two sixes.

Dhoni creamed off 20 runs from Kiwi pacer Trent Boult's final over, hitting two sixes and four.

This was after Boult and left-arm spinner Jagdeesha Suchith (2/28) had straight-jacketed the Chennai batsmen after electing bowl. With Boult swinging the ball and Suchith accurate with his line and length, they gave away just seven runs in the first four overs.

When Shane Watson could not open his account even after facing eight balls, in desperation the Australian swung his arms but only to find a fielder near boundary.

IPL veteran Suresh Raina added some pace to the CSK innings with a flurry of boundaries.

Raina and Du Plessis moved the ball around and hit the boundaries when they got the chance.

The first six of the innings was hit in the 13th over when Du Plessis dispatched a full delivery from Sherfane Rutherford over extra cover. The South African repeated the act when Axar Patel operated soon after.

However, the left-arm spinner got the revenge in the next ball when the Protea batsman attempted another big shot.

Raina too departed in the next over with Suchith getting him caught at point but not before hitting the spinner for two fours and a six.

Dhoni then led the side to fighting total.