The Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) El-Clasico between the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians was scheduled to take place at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. As the teams attempted to move up the points table, a victory was imperative for each of them. With a win, the Mumbai Indians could have upset their bitter rivals, depending on the net run rate. On the other hand, a victory for the opposition would bring them closer to the top two positions.
The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first, sending the reigning champions into the attack. After removing the opposition openers for little money in the first ten overs, the Mumbai Indians had the upper hand. After that, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube put on a solid 90-run partnership to lead the middle-order charge. With a powerful and undefeated 20 runs from just four deliveries, MS Dhoni put the final touches on the inning. From their 20 overs, the Chennai Super Kings amassed a whopping 206/4.
In response, the Mumbai Indians got off to a good start with a potent opening combination between Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma. Before Matheesha Pathirana got rid of Ishan Kishan and impact player Suryakumar Yadav in the eighth over, they had an incredible 70-run stand. Following Tilak Varma’s arrival, Rohit and Tilak formed an essential 60-run partnership. After making a fantastic fifty-one off just twenty balls, the former left.
Also read: Brian Lara praises “genius” Suryakumar Yadav, saying, “Never seen shots like that from someone coming off an injury.”
When they arrived at the crease, Hardik Pandya, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd were unable to muster anything. An excessive number of dot balls during the middle overs also hindered the team’s attempt to score against their fierce rivals. The Chennai Super Kings ultimately won by a score of 20 runs, giving them their first away victory of the year.
Is it possible for MI to qualify for the playoffs?
After playing four straight home games so far this season, the Mumbai Indians will now travel to Chandigarh to take on the Punjab Kings, who are currently in poor form. The game is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
After just two victories in their first six games, both teams are in serious trouble. The Mumbai Indians will be looking to improve on their last game in order to move up the points standings.