NEWS
Follow UsAt 186/4 with only four deliveries to spare in the innings, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were quickly staring at an under-par total for themselves in a batting-friendly Wankhede on Sunday (April 14). But that’s when their 42-year-young wicketkeeper MS Dhoni stepped up with the bat and left an indelible impression on the outcome of the proceeding.
In the next four deliveries, Dhoni sent the crowd at the Wankhede into a state of frenzy, with three sixes and a two, scoring 20 runs off just four deliveries. CSK went and defended 206, winning the game by a margin of exactly 20 runs, with their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad insisting that those three sixes helped them a lot.
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“The young wicketkeeper (MS Dhoni) scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well,” Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation.
One notable factor during the first innings was how Mumbai did not bowl one over of spin against Shivam Dube, and instead relied upon pace to do the work. The southpaw smashed a 38-ball 66, another statement of intent ahead of the T20 World Cup, taking on quality pace. MI's skipper Hardik Pandya spoke about how he wanted to play ‘percentage cricket’ at that moment.
“It was about what is best at that time, we could have done something different. I like to play percentage cricket, it would have been difficult for him (Dube) against seamers rather than spin. We are on the road for the next four games, need to play good cricket, need to keep the intensity high,” Hardik added.
With the score reading 70 in seven overs, CSK stared at a loss before their ‘Malinga’ made an impact on the game, picking up two wickets in his first over. It was his spell, 4/28 that changed the complexion of the game. Both captains credited the youngster for showing composure when it mattered.
“I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay. You need to be on the mark with bowling and batting at this venue. Our Malinga bowled really well today, he nailed those yorkers. Not to forget, Tushar and Shardul also did well,” Gaikwad said.
“It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, that helps,” Hardik added in response.
“The (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult. It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well (in the run chase) till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets,” Hardik insisted.
While the pitch was definitely holding up more in the second innings, Gaikwad surprised one and all in the first innings by demoting himself, to accommodate Ajinkya Rahane at the top of the order. In the post-match, he revealed that he’s fine batting anywhere, and the move was to account for Rahane’s niggle.
“Jinks was carrying a bit of a niggle, so thought it was better for him to open. I'm fine batting anywhere, plus it is the added responsibility as the team captain,” Gaikwad said.
