Xtra Time Web Desk: Mumbai Indians once again proved their dominance over Chennai Super Kings as they emerged victorious by 46 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2019) clash at Chepauk on Friday.
The last time Chennai Super Kings lost at the MA Chidambaram stadium was also at the hands of Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians in May 2015. This was the first loss for Yellow Army in 18 matches at the fort.
Batting first, Mumbai posted a modest target of 155-4 in 20 overs following a superb half-century by Rohit Sharma and some late hitting by Hardik Pandya. Chasing the 156-run on a sticky Chepauk track, CSK lost the plot early on and kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and fell short of 46 runs.
Tonight’s match once again proved the impact MS Dhoni has over the three time IPL champions. Dhoni had to miss the match due to fever.
Commenting on the loss, stand in CSK skipper Suresh Raina said, “We didn’t bat well and kept losing wickets every 2-3 overs and that cost us the game. We need to take responsibility as a batting unit. Our bowling has been amazing throughout the tournament. 155 was still a chaseable score.”
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma felt, “It was better to lose the toss as we were going to chase as well. We knew whether we bat or bowl first, we have to play good cricket. It was a great effort from the boys. We had to scrape every run and every wicket.”
The Hitman heaped loads of praises on Rahul Chahar. The leg spinner bowled a miserly spell, giving away only 21 runs in his quota of four overs.
“Rahul Chahar is a confident young man. His execution plans are very clear and it makes my job easier. He’s got variations and skills. He’s a good prospect for not just MI, but to India as well,” said Rohit.
The win tonight took Mumbai Indians in the second spot on points table with 14 points from 11 matches.