IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, Match 41 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

The ongoing Indian Premier League 2023 continued with its thrilling action on the afternoon game of Sunday, April 30's double header where Punjab Kings clinched a memorable victory over Chennai Super Kings on the ultimate ball of the innings. In the 41st match of the season, PBKS somehow managed to come out as the better side in the closely fought game, defeating CSK by four wickets at the latter's den in Chennai.

The coin fell in CSK's MS Dhoni's favour as they decided to bat first on the afternoon pitch in Chepauk. Devon Conway once again starred for the hosts and carried his bat throughout the innings to etch another valiant knock to his name. Riding on his heroics, CSK posted a target of 201 runs on the board, which was eventually chased down by PBKS with collective efforts from their batters. This happens to be the first instance where a target of over 200 has been successfully chased against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. 

Let's look at the Talking Points from today's game - 

Devon Conway's masterclass in IPL 2023 spearheads CSK's batting

The ongoing IPL has been unbelievable for Devon Conway who has smashed as many as five half-centuries in the mega tournament. His fifth fifty came against Punjab Kings on Sunday, where he remained unbeaten to score 92 runs off 52 balls and help Chennai flag the 200-run mark. His innings included 16 fours and one maximum.

He raised his fifty in just 30 balls and scored the remaining 42 runs in a mere 22 deliveries. In the course of his scintillating innings, he also achieved the milestone of completing 5,000 runs in T20 cricket.

Liam Livingstone plays to his name and helps PBKS put bold steps while chasing

Punjab's English import Liam Livingstone, who had looked pale in the tournament after arriving late to join the action, finally showed glimpses of what he has traditionally been known for and powered PBKS to a fantastic run chase. Coming in to carry the action forward after losing Prabhsimran Singh in the ninth over, Livingstone joined hands with Curran for the fourth wicket as the duo put up 57 runs in 33 balls, where Livingstone did the bulk of the scoring. 

Livingstone played 24 balls to score 40 runs at a strike rate of over 166. His innings included a solitary four and as many as four maximums, which provided PBKS with the impetus which was later capitalised by the likes of Jitesh Sharma and Sikandar Raza. 

Jitesh Sharma's exploits execute a successful run chase for PBKS

The proceedings were finally given a destination by explosive gloveman Jitesh Sharma who has been phenomenal for Punjab in the ongoing season. After losing Sam Curran to a Matheesha Pathirana masterclass, Jitesh capitalised on a couple of missed lengths by Pathirana in the same over and then took on Tushar Deshpande in the next before falling to a stunning catch by substitute Shaik Rashid near the ropes which kept the third umpire busy for quite some time before finally signalling Jitesh out.

Jitesh played 10 balls and hit two fours and a six to score 21 runs at a strike rate of 210. His exploits left nine runs for PBKS to be chased off the last over, which was successfully accomplished by Sikandar Raza off Pathirana.

Losing Captain, MS Dhoni said -

We need to be prepared as to what is to be done. The last few overs when we were batting, we could have gotten 10-15 more. Our bowling needed some cushion. The slower one did grip. Our batters have been putting runs consistently. I think 200 was par but we bowled two bad overs. We know the conditions well. We didn't bowl well. You didn't want to get hit to that side. You need to see what is the problem. The execution or the plan. Pathirana bowled really well. The first six overs we can do better. What lines to bowl.

Winning Captain, Shikhar Dhawan said -

It feels very very special. Beating Chennai in Chennai is a very big thing. Very very pleased and that shows the great character of our side, leaving that loss behind and coming up with a fresh mindset. I was very happy with the way our bowlers bowled, we got them at the right score. They have been very consistent. As a captain we wanted them to play more overs, Liam has got his touch back and would want him to bat more overs. Good signs that all are playing well.

Player of the Match, Devon Conway said - 

As I said at the innings break, we felt that it is a bit slow when you hit the wicket but to be fair it was a good wicket. We felt that 200 was a very competitive score. Disappointed that we lost that one. It is never easy. It is about keeping things simple, sticking to my process and not to complicate things. In T20s it can be up and down. I try to work as close as I can with Mike Hussey who is very experienced not only for Australia but also for CSK, he has played a lot of cricket here, along with the other players. I enjoy batting with Ruturaj and Ajinkya has got a lot of experience. When you build partnerships, it helps.