Chennai Super Kings amassed 211 for four against Delhi Daredevils in the IPL on Monday. Chennai opener Shane Watson smashed 78 off 40 balls while wicket-keeper and captain MS Dhoni hit a stunning 51 not out off 22 balls as the Super Kings reached their fourth total of 200 or more this season.
It was the tenth time teams had reached or crossed the 200 run mark in the IPL in this edition. The match between Chennai and Delhi was the 30th of the season, which means on an average every third match of the tournament is witnessing a total of 200 or more.
If such a scoring rate continues, this year’s IPL could well end up with close to 20 scores of 200 or more given there are 60 games this season.
Most 200+ totals in #IPL cricket...
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) April 30, 2018
16 - #CSK
14 - #RCB
11 - #KXIP
10 - #MI#IPL2018#CSKvDD
In fact, this year is just one short of the 2008 opening campaign when 11 scores of 200 or more were registered. Keep in mind all seasons have had close to 60 matches depending upon number of teams participating, the run-scoring in this season of the IPL has been sensational.
In 2009, there was just one score of 200 or more as the tournament was held in South Africa. The next year saw nine scores in excess of 200. The tally in subsequent seasons reads: five, five, four, nine, seven, six and 10 scores of more than 200.
The absence of premier fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada along with flat wickets have been a factor this year. Even so, the number of 200 plus totals are staggering.
