MS Dhoni’s blistering knock towards the fag end of the first innings ultimately became the deciding factor as Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by 20 runs at Wankhede Stadium. With that, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side picked up their maiden victory away from home and solidified their place at number three on the points table.
The day started with a surprising move as Ajinkya Rahane was sent out to open alongside Rachin Ravindra. However, the move backfired as Rahane’s rough patch in IPL 2024 continued. Batting at number three, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played a very good knock as he made 69 runs off 40 deliveries. After Rachin got out for 21 runs, Dube took care of the business as he played aggressively as usual and hit 66* runs off 38 deliveries.
Also Read - Shot of the Day - MS Dhoni whacks Pandya for monstrous six at Wankhede
In the last four deliveries of the first innings, MS Dhoni wreaked havoc and hit three consecutive sixes and took a double on the final ball as CSK posted 206 runs in the first over. Given the match was being played at Wankhede, one could put their money on MI to chase it down, but that didn’t happen.
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan gave a good start to MI as the duo stitched a 70-run partnership but Matheesha Pathirana broke the partnership and eventually changed the course of the game. The Sri Lankan international notched four wickets, which played a massive role in Mumbai’s defeat. On the other hand, Rohit hit a century as he made 103* runs off 63 deliveries but that wasn’t enough. If he had enough support from the other end, things could’ve been different.
1. Shivam Dube for the World Cup?
Shivam Dube has been knocking on the door a long time and it’s time for BCCI to answer. The 30-year-old is in the form of his life and given the fact that Hardik is struggling big time, and Rinku Singh is not getting enough game time in KKR, Dube can end up earning the ticket for the T20 World Cup. Against a quality bowling unit of MI, the all-rounder smashed 66* runs, something that India skipper Rohit watched very closely.
2. Dhoni still got it
If Dhoni keeps smashing the ball the way he is doing it, why should one even talk about his retirement? Three balls, three sixes, that’s vintage Dhoni being at his very best. He proved to be the difference in the end and most importantly, the star cricketer showed that he still has the power to clear the ropes pretty easily.
3. Baby Malinga turning out to be Prime Malinga
It's time for Matheesa Pathirana to come out of the title of Baby Malinga. He is delivering time and again for CSK as against MI, the pacer picked up four wickets and delivered a Player of the Match performance. If he keeps up with his game, the cricketer is going to be an asset for CSK for years to come.
4. Rohit Sharma’s fitness
Rohit Sharma scoring runs is a very positive sign for India as they would look to do well in the T20 World Cup. Him spending entire 20 overs in the middle too is a very positive sign.
Also Read - Rohit Sharma completes 500 sixes in T20 cricket
Losing skipper Hardik Pandya said:
It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, that helps. It (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult. It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well (in the run chase) till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets. It was about what is best at that time, we could have done something different. I like to play percentage cricket, it would have been difficult for him (Dube) against seamers rather than spin. We are on the road for the next four games, need to play good cricket, need to keep the intensity high.
Winning skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said:
The young wicketkeeper scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well. I feel we were spot on with our execution with the ball despite them scoring some great shots. I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay. You need to be on the mark with bowling and batting at this venue. Our Malinga bowled really well today, he nailed those yorkers. Not to forget, Tushar and Shardul also did well. I think we need to keep it simple, encourage all to be in a good headspace and continue the same way. Jinks was carrying a bit of a niggle, so thought it was better for him to open. I'm fine batting anywhere, plus it is the added responsibility as the team captain.
POTM Matheesha Pathirana said:
When we were bowling in the powerplay, I was pretty nervous. I was told to keep it calm an do my thing, that gave me the confidence today. I don't think too much about results, just concerned with my execution. If I execute, I will get my rewards. Sometimes I have to change my plans depending on the batters. I was struggling with a bit of a niggle for two weeks, but the support staff all backed me and that's been the main reason for my form.
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