IPL 2021: Dhoni steers Chennai to thrilling win against Delhi Capitals to reach final

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Chennai Super Kings qualified for the IPL final after beating table-toppers Delhi Capitals in a final-over thriller.

Chasing 173, a stunning cameo of 18 not out from six balls from captain MS Dhoni secured the win.

He hit the 13 runs required in the 20th over, bowled by England's Tom Curran (3-29).

Despite Dhoni's heroics, there were also vital contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (70) and Robin Uthappa (63).

Earlier, Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant starred for Delhi by making half-centuries and ensuring they posted a competitive total of 172.

But despite losing Faf du Plessis in the first over, CSK recovered and were in firm control of the chase at 113-1 before the Capitals forced their way back into the game by chipping away with regular quick wickets.

Curran, playing his first match since the IPL restarted in September, was impressive and even removed England team-mate Moeen Ali with the first ball of his final over to swing the game back in his side's favour.

But Dhoni hit three fours to steer CSK to their ninth IPL final.

Although Delhi lost, they will get a second chance to reach the final when they play the winner of the eliminator. That is between Eoin Morgan's Kolkata Knight Riders and Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore and takes place on Monday 11 October.

Calm Dhoni rolls back the years

Former India captain Dhoni had been under pressure, with his form for CSK in this year's IPL average at best. Before this game, he had just 96 runs from 14 innings.

But highly regarded for his calmness under pressure, who better to have at the crease in this situation?

Needing 13 from five balls, having just seen Ali dismissed from the first of the over, for Dhoni, it was no big deal.

Here's how the over unfolded.

Ball One: Curran to Moeen, OUT.

Ball Two: Curran to Dhoni, four over extra cover

Ball Three: A lucky four edged to fine leg

Ball Four: Wide - nightmare for Curran

Ball Four (again): Four, crunched to deep square leg

The foundations for Dhoni's heroics were laid by Gaikwad, CSK's leading run scorer, and Uthappa.

Confidence for Dhoni can only bolster Chennai's chances in the final as they had been struggling for middle order runs and an over-reliance on Gaikwad and fellow opener du Plessis.

They had lost their three previous matches, but this was the perfect time to find some form.

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