After a long wait of seven years, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have finally managed to chase down a target of 180 or more in the IPL. In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter, CSK defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by successfully reaching the target of 180 runs, scoring 180 for 8 in 19.4 overs.
The win marks the end of a 12-match losing streak in such chases, dating back to the 2018 season.
The last time CSK managed a successful chase of 180+ runs was in 2018, when they surpassed Sunrisers Hyderabad's total of 179/4 in Pune with two wickets to spare. Although they chased down 178 in the 2018 final against the same team, any target of 180 or more remained unconquered for 12 straight attempts-until now.
CSK's latest triumph came under immense pressure. At one point, they were reeling at 60 for 5, making the win all the more remarkable. This is only the second instance in IPL history where a team has chased more than 180 runs after losing five wickets inside 75 runs. The first was earlier this season when the Delhi Capitals, at 65/5, successfully chased 210 against Lucknow Super Giants.
CSK's turnaround not only rejuvenates their 2025 campaign but also puts an end to one of the longest-running chase droughts in IPL history. Notably, the record for most failed attempts at chasing 180+ targets belongs to Punjab Kings, who failed in 15 such matches between 2015 and 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore also had a 12-match streak of failed 180+ chases between 2011 and 2013.