CSK vs MI Review – Chennai complete a thumping victory, claim second spot
Chennai Super Kings did the double over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians as they defeated the five-time champions for a second time this season, in a one-sided contest at the Chepauk. The Yellow Army moved to second place in the points table after a clinical all-round display, sealing an emphatic six-wicket victory, their first against Mumbai at the venue in more than a decade.
Veteran CSK skipper MS Dhoni called it right at the toss and elected to bowl first on a seemingly flat surface in Cheapuk. Mumbai Indians made a woeful star with the bat, losing make-shift opener Cameron Green and Ishan Kishan inside the first three overs while skipper Rohit Sharma also departed cheaply as Deepak Chahar claimed two wickets in one over.
Just when the visitors started to turn the tide in the contest, Ravindra Jadeja landed a hammer blow to the Men in Blue and Gold, dismissing the in-form Suryakumar Yadav after a handy cameo. Nehal Wadhera, who registered a fighting half-century for his side, fought a lone war for the Mumbai-based outfit as they managed a modest total of 139 runs in their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target, the home side got off to a blistering start, thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s explosive 16-ball 30 at the top of the order. Despite his dismissal
in the powerplay, CSK were in cruise control in the chase after another breezy stand between Devon Conway and Ajinkya Rahane.
Conway, who has been in the form of his life in this year’s edition, dropped anchor from one end as the home side tread over the line without breaking a sweat. However, his dismissal at the fag end of the chase, sent the crowd into a frenzy as MS Dhoni promoted himself up the order, hitting the winning runs for his side.
Best performers of the match:
Matheesha Pathirana: The young Sri Lankan pacer is having a tournament to remember. He was the bane of Mumbai batters’ existence, especially in the death overs. The Mumbai batters were all at the sea against Matheesha Pathirana, who returned with 3/15 in his four overs, his best IPL figures to date.
Nehal Wadhera: Mumbai’s 22-year-old batter Nehal Wadhera was the only shining light in a rather bleak batting performance in Chennai. The young batter smashed 64 runs in 51 deliveries, registering his first half-century in IPL 2023, to take his side to a competitive total on the board.
What next for both sides:
CSK will host a struggling Delhi Capitals in their next fixture on May 10, while Mumbai Indians will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede stadium (May 9)
