Home advantage - IPL 2024 kicks off with victories for host teams - HIGHLIGHTS

Whether it was an easy win or a last-over thriller, every game has produced drama, but most importantly, victories for the host teams.

The first set of matches for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is done and dusted, and the five epic battles, involving the 10 teams that started on March 22, have seen one common trend: the home side clinching victories, one way or another.

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Whether it was an easy win or a last-over thriller, every game has produced drama, but most importantly, victories for the host teams. Let's recap the first set of matches that have been played so far.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) - 1st Match at MA Chidambaram Stadium

The 17th edition of the IPL began with defending champions CSK securing a 6-wicket victory at their fortress. Led by their new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team successfully chased down the target set by RCB, who had struggled initially at 78/5 before posting a total of 173. Despite RCB's top-order collapse, captain Faf du Plessis, Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik proved to be in fine touch. But it was CSK's Mustafizur Rahman who stole the show and claimed 4 key wickets.

Next matches:

CSK vs GT - March 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium

RCB vs PBKS - March 25 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) - 2nd Match at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium

The 2nd game occurred at PBKS' new venue in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, where they inaugurated it with a 4-wicket victory over DC. Punjab all-rounder Sam Curran played a pivotal role, and DC lost the plot when they dropped him on 33, allowing him to go on and score 63. However, this match's highlight was the return of DC captain Rishabh Pant to the cricket world. He had missed the last season due to a life-threatening accident.

Next matches:

RCB vs PBKS - March 25 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

RR vs DC - March 28 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) - 3rd Match at Eden Gardens

This match had everything: drama, high-scoring, wickets tumbling, and a last-ball thriller. The host team emerged victorious in the epic clash in Kolkata by 4 runs after posting a mammoth 208. With SRH requiring 60 off the final three overs, it looked like KKR was winning, but they managed to bring the equation down to 13 off the last one. However, pacer Harshit Rana halted Heinrich Klaasen's (63 off 29 balls) and Shahbaz Ahmed's (16 off 5 balls) onslaught, securing a win for KKR.

Next matches:

RCB vs KKR - March 29 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

SRH vs MI - March 27 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - 4th Match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium

This 20-run victory over LSG has helped RR to top the points table. RR skipper Sanju Samson batted beautifully, scoring 82 not out, and received valuable support from Riyan Parag, whose 43 helped them post 193 on the board. When it came to defending their total, they picked up wickets at regular intervals, with captain KL Rahul (58) and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran (64) making significant contributions, along with Deepak Hooda's cameo. However, it was Sandeep Sharma's brilliant spell at the death that sealed the deal for the Royals.

Next matches:

RR vs DC - March 28 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

LSG vs PBKS - March 30 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) - 5th Match at Narendra Modi Stadium

The fans in Ahmedabad expressed their frustration with boos when they welcomed their former skipper for the clash. Further igniting the situation was the errors made by Hardik Pandya as captain, wherein he bowled the first two overs instead of giving it to Jasprit Bumrah, and later did not come to bat ahead of Tim David. But it was all in luck for GT's current skipper, Shubman Gill, who clinched his first 6-run win as captain. MI's streak of losing the opening game continues with this defeat, marking their 12th consecutive loss, with their last victory in an opening encounter dating back to 2012. Next matches:

CSK vs GT - March 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium

SRH vs MI - March 27 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

IPL 2024 Schedule updates:

Qualifier 1 - Narendra Modi Stadium on May 21

Eliminator - Narendra Modi Stadium on May 22

Qualifier 2 - Chepauk on May 24

Final - Chepauk on May 26

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