Chennai Super Kings (CSK) edged out Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs in a high-scoring encounter at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 14.
A Strong Start for CSK
Put in to bat first, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane got off to a contrasting start. While Gaikwad continued his fine form with a stroke-filled 40-ball 69, including five sixes, Rahane fell cheaply. However, a crucial 90-run partnership between Gaikwad and the in-form Shivam Dube (66 not out) steadied the CSK innings. MS Dhoni (20 not out off 8) provided a late flourish with a hat-trick of sixes in the final over, propelling CSK to a competitive total of 206/4.
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Rohit Sharma’s Lone Stand for MI
Chasing a stiff target, MMI openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan began brightly, stitching together a 63-run opening partnership. However, wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, as the CSK bowlers tightened their grip. Despite a valiant century from Rohit, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 63 balls, MI fell short by 20 runs, finishing their innings at 186/6.
Special name for ‘Player of the Match’ Matheesha Pathirana
The young Sri Lankan spinner, Matheesha Pathirana, was the star performer with the ball for CSK, claiming a four-wicket haul for just 28 runs. His economical spell restricted the flow of runs in the middle overs and proved crucial in CSK’s victory.
During the presentation ceremony, CSK skipper revealed the special name his teammates have given to Pathirana.
“These kinds of venues demand special performances in the batting and bowling departments. Our Malinga bowled well and nailed those Yorkers. Tushar [Deshpande] and Shardul [Thakur] also bowled well for us. We encourage our players to have good head space. Ajinkya Rahane was not fit, and we thought it was better for him to open the innings,” Gaikwad said.
“You said our Malinga,” cricketer turned commentator Pommie Mbangwa asked Ruturaj. To which the CSK captain replied: “Yeah. He is our baby Malinga, and we call him by that name,” the CSK skipper replied.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Matheesha Pathirana’s 4-fer overshadows Rohit Sharma’s ton as clinical CSK beat MI in IPL 2024
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