MS Dhoni’s last-over carnage overshadowed Rohit Sharma’s 8th T20 hundred as CSK secured a 20-run win over MI in the IPL 2024 match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
This was CSK’s first away win of the season as Matheesa Pathirana picked a superb four-wicket haul while Mumbai will be disappointed with that loss as they let things slip after being in a dominant position both with the bat and earlier with the ball as well.
Mathisa Pathirana made an immediate impact in the eighth over, dismissing Ishan Kishan and then Suryakumar Yadav, crucial breakthroughs after Rohit and Kishan had built a solid partnership. But Pathirana’s influence extended beyond that, as he returned later to dismantle MI’s big-hitters, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, denying them crucial boundaries in the final overs.
Rohit led MI’s innings from start to finish, initiating aggressive batting tactics early on to unsettle CSK’s bowlers. Despite a mid-innings stumble, Rohit anchored a vital 60-run partnership with Tilak Varma. However, Pathirana’s late strikes hindered MI’s progress, even as Rohit himself notched a century in the final over. With MI needing 77 runs from the last six overs, Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande utilized cutters effectively, conceding just five runs in two overs, despite Rohit’s formidable presence at the crease. Thakur’s dismissal of Hardik Pandya added to MI’s woes, amplifying the pressure on the remaining batsmen, while CSK managed their subsequent overs astutely.
MS DHONI LIFTS CSK PAST 200
Earlier, MS Dhoni’s explosive cameo, coupled with formidable fifties by Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad, propelled CSK to a commanding total of 206 for four. Gaikwad (69) and Dube (66 not out) orchestrated a scintillating partnership, plundering 90 runs from just 45 deliveries for the third wicket. This dynamic duo provided Chennai with the impetus it needed, laying a strong foundation during the early and middle phases of the innings. Dhoni then treated the packed Wankhede Stadium to a vintage display of power-hitting, smashing three consecutive sixes off MI skipper Hardik Pandya in the final over to amass 26 runs. His breathtaking assault, with shots sailing over long-off, wide long-on, and deep square leg, propelled Chennai past the daunting 200-run mark, a feat that seemed improbable until that explosive final over.
The CSK batters flourished between overs 11-15, amassing 79 runs during this crucial phase, with Gaikwad and Dube showcasing their sublime form. Despite a modest start by the new opening pair of Ajinkya Rahane (5) and Rachin Ravindra (21), Gaikwad’s aggressive approach in the latter half of the powerplay propelled CSK to a respectable 48/1. While Gaikwad’s innings of 69 off 40 balls showcased his prowess with five sixes and an equal number of boundaries, he could effortlessly clear the ropes and adapt to the bowlers’ tactics that stood out.
However, Gaikwad’s innings came to an end when Pandya outfoxed him with a slower delivery, resulting in a high catch to Nabi at long-on. Dube, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to capitalize on Pandya’s erratic line and lengths in the 10th over, amassing 15 runs, including three boundaries. He further capitalized on Romario Shepherd’s pace, dispatching him for two sixes and as many fours in an onslaught that added 22 runs to CSK’s total. With MI reserving Jasprit Bumrah for the death overs, Gaikwad and Dube capitalized on the opportunity to dominate the other bowlers, ensuring that Chennai Super Kings finished with a formidable total.
Mumbai will be disappointed with that loss as they let things slip after being in a dominant position both with the bat and earlier with the ball as well. They should have restricted Chennai for about 190 runs but conceded 15 runs or so more and then with the bat, they left too many runs for the death overs