MUMBAI: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni marked his 200th game for Chennai Super Kings on Friday with a crushing six-wicket Indian Premier League win over Punjab Kings.

Moeen Ali hit 46 off 31 balls as Chennai reached 107 for four to secure their first win of the season with 26 balls to spare.

Victory was crucial in relieving pressure on the 39-year-old Dhoni, whose side failed to reach the IPL play offs for the first time last year. They lost their first game of the season against Delhi Capitals.

“It makes me feel very old,” joked Dhoni of his landmark game. “It has been a very long journey, I started in 2008.”

Chennai have won three titles under the former India captain but have seen the IPL dominated by arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in recent years and are seeking to rebuild.

This victory put them among six teams in the eight team Twenty20 league with one victory from two games and Dhoni knows they will need more consistency to add to their titles.

“We were obviously disappointed with the result after the last game, but It was a great end for us tonight,” said Moeen. “I’m just really enjoying the environment and my role in the team. I really enjoy batting in the top three, it’s a chance to make an impact.”

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2021