 |
| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Match Summary:
Mumbai Indians Innings: After being put into bat by CSK, MI overcame an early setback with a brilliant partnership between Lendl Simmons and Rohit Sharma. Parthiv Patel was run out early by Faf du Plessis, but Simmons and Rohit launched a fierce attack on the CSK bowlers. Rohit’s quickfire 50 off just 24 balls and Simmons’ steady 68 set the platform for a massive total. The pair put on a crucial stand that left CSK chasing leather all over the park. After Simmons and Rohit’s departure, Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu added the finishing touches with some explosive hitting, leading MI to a formidable 202 for 5 in 20 overs. Dwayne Bravo was the best of the CSK bowlers with figures of 2 for 36.
Chennai Super Kings Innings: Chasing 203, CSK needed a strong start but struggled to get going. Dwayne Smith top-scored with 57, but his innings was too slow, coming at a strike rate of just 118, which wasn’t enough in the context of the chase. Harbhajan Singh dismissed Suresh Raina and Dwayne Smith, while Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan kept the pressure on with regular wickets. McClenaghan was particularly effective, taking 3 for 25. CSK could only manage 161 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 41 runs.
Key Moments:
Early Onslaught by MI: After losing Parthiv Patel early, MI counterattacked through Rohit Sharma and Lendl Simmons. Their aggressive batting in the Powerplay set the tone for MI’s innings.
Rohit Sharma’s Explosive Fifty: Rohit Sharma’s 50 off 24 balls was crucial in taking MI to a strong position. His aggressive approach put the CSK bowlers under pressure and allowed MI to maintain a high run rate.
Kieron Pollard’s Late Flourish: Pollard’s big hitting towards the end of the innings ensured that MI crossed the 200-run mark, giving them a psychological edge over CSK.
Mitchell McClenaghan’s Bowling: McClenaghan’s 3 for 25 was instrumental in breaking the back of the CSK chase. His disciplined bowling ensured that CSK could never build momentum.
Top Performers:
Mumbai Indians:
- Lendl Simmons: His 68 off 45 balls provided the stability and the foundation for the MI innings.
- Rohit Sharma: His quick 50 off 24 balls set the tone for a high-scoring innings.
- Mitchell McClenaghan: His 3 for 25 played a crucial role in restricting CSK’s chase.
Chennai Super Kings:
- Dwayne Smith: Although he top-scored with 57, his strike rate was below what was required for a successful chase.
- Dwayne Bravo: With 2 for 36, he was the pick of the bowlers for CSK.
Brief Scores:
- MI: 202/5 in 20 overs (Lendl Simmons 68, Rohit Sharma 50, Dwayne Bravo 2/36)
- CSK: 161/8 in 20 overs (Dwayne Smith 57, Mitchell McClenaghan 3/25, Harbhajan Singh 2/34)
Match Analysis:
- Mumbai Indians’ Comeback: MI’s turnaround from being at the bottom of the table in the early part of the season to winning the title showcased their resilience and quality as a team.
- CSK’s Decision to Bowl First: MS Dhoni’s decision to bowl first on a pitch that turned out to be conducive to batting was questioned, especially given their past success with setting targets in finals.
- MI’s All-Round Performance: MI’s batting was explosive, and their bowling was disciplined, making them deserving winners of the IPL 2015 title.
Mumbai Indians’ comprehensive win in the final highlighted their dominance and ability to perform under pressure, adding another IPL title to their illustrious record.
COMMENTS