CSK vs PBKS: Devon Conway carries forward legacy of overseas CSK openers with fifth IPL 2023 fifty

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IPL 2023: Devon Conway missed out on his maiden IPL hundred but his unbeaten 92 off 52 ensured that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) post a 201-run target for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

The fifty from the New Zealand star was fifth in his last six innings. His stellar run in the season has seen him score 414 runs in nine matches at an average of 59.14 and a strike rate of 144.25. The 31-year-old is now just eight runs short of Orange Cap holder Faf du Plessis.

Conway is also only the second batter to have crossed the 400-run mark in the IPL 2023. His electrifying form at the top has seen him give a cracking start to the four-time champions alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Also, the Kiwi batter has carried forward the legacy of overseas openers at the CSK. The likes of Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis have shone as CSK openers in the past. Conway has done the same for MS Dhoni's side in this season.

The southpaw now holds the record for best average by a batter with more than 5000 runs in T20 cricket. After the 92-run knock which included , Conway is averaging 44.41. Ahead of the match, he had scored 4971 runs at an average of 43.60 in 148 T20 matches.

In the match against Punjab, Conway also became the joint third-fastest batter to complete 5000 T20 runs. Shaun Marsh and Conway achieved the feat in their 144th T20 innings. Chris Gayle (132) and KL Rahul (143) occupy the top two spots.