Chennai almost followed a usual script at home – score a modest total and choke the opposition on a slow track. Almost.
On Friday, they had opted to bat first and reached a less than formidable total of 158 at the end of 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant cameo from Pawan Negi in the final overs of the innings.
At the halfway mark, the men in yellow looked content with the score that they had posted on the board. Why would they not? They had successfully defended similar totals in the last two matches played at the M. A. Chidambaram stadium.
But this time, Dhoni’s men probably underestimated the batting capabilities of the in-form Mumbai Indians line-up. A poor effort from in the second half of the match eventually ended their dream run at home.
How did the Mumbai Indians do it?
It seemed Mumbai Indians, the team that had won four matches in a row, came in to bat with a plan. They knew that it would be difficult to score runs off the older and softer ball.
The Mumbai Indians openers played with a good mix of aggression and caution. Ravichandran Ashwin, who was back in the side after an injury-break, conceded only three runs in the first over of the innings. The MI openers played his over out without taking risks.
But they didn’t wait for long to start hounding the CSK bowlers. They made the most of the new ball.
Ashish Nehra was taken to the cleaners by former CSK opener Parthiv Patel. The purple cap holder’s first over went for 13 runs. His second, for 15 runs. Mohit Sharma, who shared the new ball with Nehra, also failed to restrict the run flow.
The Chennai Super Kings pace bowlers struggled. Unlike the earlier matches in the season, they were not able to pick up early wickets. At the end of ten overs Mumbai Indians cruised to a total of 84 and they hadn’t lost a single wicket. A fifth successive win was in sight.
A CSK comeback?
CSK are known to make the most impossible comebacks. On Friday evening, they almost made yet another one of those. Almost.
Chasing a modest target, the opposition had once against got a brilliant start. They had scored more than half of the runs required with 10 overs to go.
Okay, so what?
The men in yellow have watched their opponents implode before. They keep waiting for a break and when they get it, they take control. Their spinners have given them the breakthroughs when the going got tough.
This time too, Ashwin struck twice in the same over and the team sensed an opportunity to get back into the game. A CSK comeback wouldn’t be complete with Dwayne Bravo magic. He converted a dropped catch into a run-out and thus MI’s premier player, Kieron Pollard made the long walk back.
What did the CSK spinners do then? They bowled tight and choked the run flow.
Suddenly, the chasing team needed some 50-and-odd runs of the last five. Things were going according to the usual script for Chennai Super Kings.
What led to the change in the script?
How have the Super Kings been able to prevail after being in dire situations? The key to the turnarounds have been the brilliant efforts on the field from their men.
On Friday night though, their fielding, especially the catching, was shoddy. Two of their most impressive fielders, Faf du Plesis and Ravindra Jadeja dropped catches at crucial moments.
Mumbai Indians weren’t going to let Dhoni’s boys get away with such blunders. Even after their skipper departed, the task was within reach. They needed 34 of the last three.
Bravo bowled a brilliant 18th over. Mumbai then needed 30 of the last two.
Then came a decisive last-minute cameo. Hardik Himanshu Pandya was up against Negi, who was entrusted by his captain with the responsibility of bowling the penultimate over of the innings. In fact, Negi was his captain’s only choice, as CSK's pace bowlers had leaked runs aplenty.
When it came to handling pressure, the young man from the Mumbai Indians camp did a better job. Pandya made sure that his team’s excellent comeback run in the tournament continued.
Chennai Super Kings seem to be having issues with playing consistent, quality cricket. The business end of the tournament is nearing and it’s time for the yellow brigade to get its act together.
On Friday, they had opted to bat first and reached a less than formidable total of 158 at the end of 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant cameo from Pawan Negi in the final overs of the innings.
At the halfway mark, the men in yellow looked content with the score that they had posted on the board. Why would they not? They had successfully defended similar totals in the last two matches played at the M. A. Chidambaram stadium.
But this time, Dhoni’s men probably underestimated the batting capabilities of the in-form Mumbai Indians line-up. A poor effort from in the second half of the match eventually ended their dream run at home.
How did the Mumbai Indians do it?
It seemed Mumbai Indians, the team that had won four matches in a row, came in to bat with a plan. They knew that it would be difficult to score runs off the older and softer ball.
The Mumbai Indians openers played with a good mix of aggression and caution. Ravichandran Ashwin, who was back in the side after an injury-break, conceded only three runs in the first over of the innings. The MI openers played his over out without taking risks.
But they didn’t wait for long to start hounding the CSK bowlers. They made the most of the new ball.
Ashish Nehra was taken to the cleaners by former CSK opener Parthiv Patel. The purple cap holder’s first over went for 13 runs. His second, for 15 runs. Mohit Sharma, who shared the new ball with Nehra, also failed to restrict the run flow.
The Chennai Super Kings pace bowlers struggled. Unlike the earlier matches in the season, they were not able to pick up early wickets. At the end of ten overs Mumbai Indians cruised to a total of 84 and they hadn’t lost a single wicket. A fifth successive win was in sight.
A CSK comeback?
CSK are known to make the most impossible comebacks. On Friday evening, they almost made yet another one of those. Almost.
Chasing a modest target, the opposition had once against got a brilliant start. They had scored more than half of the runs required with 10 overs to go.
Okay, so what?
The men in yellow have watched their opponents implode before. They keep waiting for a break and when they get it, they take control. Their spinners have given them the breakthroughs when the going got tough.
This time too, Ashwin struck twice in the same over and the team sensed an opportunity to get back into the game. A CSK comeback wouldn’t be complete with Dwayne Bravo magic. He converted a dropped catch into a run-out and thus MI’s premier player, Kieron Pollard made the long walk back.
What did the CSK spinners do then? They bowled tight and choked the run flow.
Suddenly, the chasing team needed some 50-and-odd runs of the last five. Things were going according to the usual script for Chennai Super Kings.
What led to the change in the script?
How have the Super Kings been able to prevail after being in dire situations? The key to the turnarounds have been the brilliant efforts on the field from their men.
On Friday night though, their fielding, especially the catching, was shoddy. Two of their most impressive fielders, Faf du Plesis and Ravindra Jadeja dropped catches at crucial moments.
Mumbai Indians weren’t going to let Dhoni’s boys get away with such blunders. Even after their skipper departed, the task was within reach. They needed 34 of the last three.
Bravo bowled a brilliant 18th over. Mumbai then needed 30 of the last two.
Then came a decisive last-minute cameo. Hardik Himanshu Pandya was up against Negi, who was entrusted by his captain with the responsibility of bowling the penultimate over of the innings. In fact, Negi was his captain’s only choice, as CSK's pace bowlers had leaked runs aplenty.
When it came to handling pressure, the young man from the Mumbai Indians camp did a better job. Pandya made sure that his team’s excellent comeback run in the tournament continued.
Chennai Super Kings seem to be having issues with playing consistent, quality cricket. The business end of the tournament is nearing and it’s time for the yellow brigade to get its act together.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!