As Chennai Super Kings locked their second win in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) by chasing a target of 147 set by Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, an adorable cheerleader stole the limelight at the stands on Tuesday, 26 March.
Daughter of CSK Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ziva was among the spectators, cheering her father on as he came on field to bat at number 5, riding the team to a 6-wicket win.
Videos of Ziva cheering, "Go Papaaaaa!" and "Come onnn, Papaaa!" were afloat all over social media. Ziva, who is quite a star on social media, has been seen cheering for Captain Cool at multiple occasions during various IPL matches.
Suresh Raina, the middle-order batsman for CSK, also put out a picture of his daughter Gracia with Ziva on Twitter after the match as the celebrations were underway.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni lost the toss, but Chennai Super Kings used the conditions at the Feroze Shah Kotla beautifully as they beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets. Shane Watson and Suresh Raina made batting look easy on a lifeless track as Chennai Super Kings coasted to victory.
Shikhar Dhawan’s painstaking half-century was the only silver lining in Delhi Capitals’ sub-par total of 147 for six which the defending champions overtook with two balls to spare.
The chase didn't start on expected lines for Chennai as they lost Ambati Rayudu (5) in the third over of the game as DC skipper Shreyas Iyer took an easy catch at mid-off off Ishant Sharma's bowling, but that was where the joy ended for Delhi as Shane Watson combined beautifully with Suresh Raina to take the attack to the DC bowlers.
Dhoni, (32* off 35 balls) and Jadhav (27 off 34 balls) took Chennai home with some smart display of batsmanship. Even though the required rate did go over six towards the end, there was no pressure as such on the duo. Although Jadhav was dismissed with two runs left to get, Bravo completed the formalities.
(With inputs from PTI)
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