On this day in 2019: Mumbai Indians claim a record 4th IPL title
12th May 2019 – a date that neither Chennai Super Kings fans nor Mumbai Indians fans will ever forget. It was on this day two years ago that MI beat CSK in arguably the most pulsating IPL final ever. It was their fourth IPL title victory.
It wasn’t a typical high-scoring game. At Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Mumbai won the toss and elected to bat first. After the likes of Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma put on a blazing opening partnership of 45 runs in just 4.5 overs, Mumbai lost their way with the willow. They were soon reeling at 102/5 at the end of the 15th over. But then, Kieron Pollard provided the much-needed final flourish The West Indian smashed an unbeaten 41 at a strike rate of 164.00 to help post a total of 149/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Watson raises to the occasion
In reply, Shane Watson played a blinder of an innings for CSK. The Australian batting veteran blasted 80 off just 59 deliveries at the top of the order. But none of the other batsmen provided support and in the end, the MS Dhoni-led side fell short of their target by just 1 run.
Apart from Watson, Faf du Plessis also scored a 13-ball 26 at the top of the order. For Mumbai, Jasprit Bumrah produced a scintillating spell of fast bowling. The Indian pacer bowled 4 overs, gave away just 14 runs and also scalped the wickets of Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo. And for his magical spell with the ball, Bumrah walked away with the Player of the Match award.
The Mumbai Indians went on to win the 2020 edition of the IPL as well, firmly establishing themselves as the greatest team in the history of the IPL. And surely, the memories from this epic contest between two behemoths of the IPL will stay with the fans for a long time to come.
