IPL: CSK beat DC, Chennai Super Kings into IPL Finals as Dhoni Finishes Off in Style!

M.S. Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings have qualified for the IPL 2021 Final after defeating Rishab Pant's team in an exciting and nail-biting encounter in IPL Qualifier 1.

The Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings had a fantastic game in the Indian Premier League 2021 Qualifier. Excitement and tension persisted till the final over of the second innings, when CSK defeated the Capitals with a boundary from Dhoni when CSK needed 4 runs from 3 balls.

Qualifier 1 was unique since it included MS Dhoni and Rishab Pant. Two generations of wicket-keeper batsman, one an absolute legend, MSD, and the other, the young and promising Rishab Pant, who many believe will fill the void left by MSD's retirement from the national team.

Four players scored 50s, there were many beautiful knocks, brilliant catches, and some emotional moments after the game.

A target of 173 against a well-oiled bowling unit of the Delhi Capitals was never going to be easy. That became even tougher after losing the in-form Faf du Plessis cheaply. But this game was all about turning the clock back. Before Dhoni's cracking cameo, it was Robin Uthappa who set the stage on fire. Replacing Faf at the crease, he went berserk from the word "go." Robin timed his shots beautifully and played some extraordinary shots. His presence allowed Ruturaj Gaikwad to settle down at the other end, and together they put Chennai in a commanding position. Their 110-run alliance deflated Delhi's morale, but credit to them for fighting till the end. Chennai Super Kings (173/6) defeated Delhi Capitals (172/5) by six wickets | Gaikwad 70, Uthappa 63, Dhoni 18 not out; Curran 3/29The Capitals innings also saw two half-centuries by Prithvi Shaw 60 (34) and Rishab Pant 51 (35), not out.

This will be CSK's 9th appearance in the IPL finals. The Capitals still  have a chance to make the finals if they win the second qualifier. In Qualifier 2, the Capitals will face either the Knight Riders or the Royal Challengers.

The Kolkata Knight Riders will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the eliminator tomorrow at 7.30 p.m. Indian time, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The winner of this match will play Capitals in Qualifier 2 on October 13th, while the winner of that match will face CSK in the finals on October 15th.