Watch: Rashid Khan bamboozles Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes in fascinating cat-and-mouse battle
Watch: Rashid Khan dismissed both Chennai Super Kings’ England overseas stars in the opening IPL 2023 match today (March 31) in a fascinating cat-and-mouse battle.
Moeen Ali had been looking dangerous in the early part of his innings, smashing three boundaries including a flat six over long-off before Rashid came on to bowl.
He produced an lbw shout with his first ball to Moeen, sending down a leg-break first-up which, upon closer inspection, brushed Moeen’s glove. The next ball was a dot which Moeen played to mid-off before a quick leg-break from Rashid thumped into Moeen’s pad once more. This time, he was given out by umpire Saiyad Khalid but his decision was overturned when the review showed the ball had pitched outside the line of leg stump.
Still yet to score a run off Rashid, Moeen released the pressure with his next shot, coming down the wicket to loft a four over the leg-spinner’s head. Rashid struck back with his next delivery, however, Moeen went for a big shot to Rashid’s wrong-un but edged behind into Wriddhiman Saha’s gloves.
Having won the battle against Moeen, Rashid now set his sights on the next England all-rounder at the crease – Ben Stokes. After pinching a single to get off the mark first ball, Stokes found himself back on strike for Rashid’s next over. He punched another single before hitting a four past mid-off.
It was four and out once again, however, as Rashid bowled a flatter delivery at a quicker pace which completely stunned Stokes. The ball bounced low as Stokes tried to cut it away. But, like his teammate, he could only get a thin outside edge through to the keeper.
With both their big names overseas batters back in the dugout, the innings could have quickly turned sour for Chennai but Ruturaj Gaikwad hit 92 off 50 to ensure the side stayed in the opening match of the tournament past the first innings. Chennai Super Kings posted 178-7 having been put in to bat.
