Worcestershire Rapids 2023 Vitality Blast signing Mitchell Santner played a key role in helping Chennai Super Kings triumph by 12 runs over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
The left-arm spinner helped put the squeeze on the Giants with figures of 4-0-21-1 – a superb effort in the context of a game which produced 422 runs.
Santner came into the attack with Lucknow 80-1 from just six overs and making a strong attempt to overhaul the Super Kings formidable 217-7.
He bowled his four overs in one spell and by the time he came out of the attack, the Giants had been reduced to 128-4 from 13 overs.
Santner, who will be returning to New Road for a third spell this summer, struck in his first over.
Deepak Honda (2) fell to a fine head-high catch by England Test captain Ben Stokes running to his right from wide long on.
Santner was hit for one six, but no fours in his excellent spell and, with former Worcestershire player Moeen Ali finishing with 4-26, the Super Giants closed on 205-7.
New Zealand all-rounder Santner said: “It was obviously a pretty good wicket to bat on. Both powerplays looked challenging for the bowlers.
“We tried to tie it up in the middle. It was nice to see Moeen getting wickets, and I tried to tie it up at the other end. “
*Rapids Blast signing Michael Bracewell (2-0-18-1) was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore side which defeated Mumbai Indians by eight wickets after chasing down a 172 target.
