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| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Chennai Super Kings Innings: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batted first and scored 168 for 5 in their 20 overs. Suresh Raina top-scored with an unbeaten 57, and MS Dhoni played a crucial cameo of 22 runs. Dilhara Fernando was the standout bowler for Mumbai Indians, taking 2 for 23. CSK struggled early in their innings, reaching only 68 for 3 after 12 overs. However, Dhoni and Raina's partnership and late acceleration helped them add 100 runs in the last eight overs.
Mumbai Indians Innings: Mumbai Indians (MI) chased 169 but were restricted to 146 for 9 in their 20 overs. Sachin Tendulkar, despite playing with a split webbing, scored 48 off 45 balls but struggled for fluency. Kieron Pollard's late assault, scoring 27 off 10 balls, came too late to change the outcome. Shadab Jakati was effective for CSK with 2 for 27.
Key Moments:
Dhoni and Raina's Partnership: CSK's turnaround was initiated by MS Dhoni, who began attacking after a cautious start. His aggressive batting, including a one-handed six off Kieron Pollard, shifted the momentum. Suresh Raina capitalized on two dropped catches to score a vital fifty, accelerating the innings significantly in the final overs.
Mumbai's Tactical Missteps: MI made some puzzling tactical decisions, such as promoting Abhishek Nayar and Harbhajan Singh up the order, which backfired. Even with 69 needed off 31 balls, Kieron Pollard was sent in late, reducing their chances of a successful chase.
CSK's Smart Defense: R Ashwin started with a maiden over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance. CSK's bowlers maintained pressure through smart field placements and tight bowling. Jakati and Doug Bollinger took crucial wickets, and the fielders supported with aggressive fielding.
Pollard's Late Blitz: Kieron Pollard gave MI a glimmer of hope with a quickfire 27 off 10 balls, including taking 22 runs off Doug Bollinger's 18th over. However, Albie Morkel's tight 19th over and Pollard's dismissal off a catch to Morkel, highlighted CSK's effective strategy under pressure.
Conclusion: The IPL final between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at DY Patil Stadium was a match characterized by strategic brilliance and critical performances. MS Dhoni's leadership and timely acceleration, combined with Suresh Raina's resilience and fortune, set up a challenging target. CSK's disciplined bowling, smart fielding, and key tactical decisions stifled MI's chase, despite Pollard's late heroics. The victory added another accolade to Dhoni's captaincy, showcasing CSK's ability to perform under pressure and highlighting their strategic acumen throughout the match.
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