IPL 2020: CSK vs MI Review – Pollard-led Mumbai seal one-sided clash
Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday night won the ‘El Classico’ without breaking a sweat, thrashing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 10 wickets. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah made the new ball talk and left CSK reeling at 3/4. Chennai never recovered from the blow.
At 43/7, the record of the lowest IPL total was in danger but Sam Curran batted exceptionally well with the tail to bail CSK out of the aberration. The pocket-sized dynamo slammed a brilliant half-century and only got out off the last ball of the innings, but not before taking the total to a respectable 114/9 in 20 overs. Boult was the star of the night for the four-time champions as he picked up four wickets.
The chase was never going to be a challenge for MI’s strong batting line-up. With Rohit Sharma out injured, Ishan Kishan opened the innings and literally smashed the CSK bowlers out of the park at will. He made the most of the opportunity and put forth his case for a regular chance at the top of the order.
De Kock also continued in the same vein of form as MI chased down the score in the 13th over itself. Kishan slammed 68* while de Kock remained unbeaten on 46 with the duo smashing seven sixes together and taking MI to the top of the table.
Turning Point
MI’s opening spell – Sharjah has been a graveyard for bowlers in this tournament. But MI’s new-ball bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah bowled to the plan and proved nothing is impossible. While the left-arm seamer sent back openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis, Bumrah bounced out Ambati Rayudu and then made Jagadeesan edge one to the second slip. The game was done and dusted there itself and there was no looking back for MI after that.
Top performers
Records/Personal Milestones
- MS Dhoni completed 200 sixes as IPL captain
- Kieron Pollard registered his 15th consecutive win as captain in T20 cricket
Way Ahead
CSK will next face the in-form RCB on Sunday afternoon in Dubai while Mumbai Indians will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals in the evening on the same day.
