The El Classico of the Indian Premier League delivered every bit of drama in the first innings at Wankhede Stadium. Ajinkya Rahane lost his wicket for 5 and Rachin Ravindra for 21, CSK were struggling to find runs. At the end of 12 overs, CSK stood at 102/2. The projected score was below par 150 or so. Then came the turnaround. The third wicket stand between CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and in-form ShivamDube turned the tides. Gaikwad slammed 69 off 40 balls hitting his 16th half-century in IPL.
After his dismissal by Pandya, Dube kept up the pace. He scored 66 off 38 balls and remained unbeaten. But it was the blazing last over wonder by MS Dhoni that completely changed the game. Thala smashed a hat trick of sixes in the last over. At the strike rate of 500, Dhoni made 20 off just four ball. Thanks to this turnaround, CSK has put a total of 206/4 in 20 overs.
Following the vintage performance of Dhoni, Rohit Sharma shines tonight, slamming half-century off 31 balls. His aggressive innings includes six boundaries and two sixes. Partnering him, Ishan Kishan set the stage with a quick 23 off 15 balls. Despite Mumbai’s strong start of 63/0 at the end of the powerplay, Pathirana’s entry shifted momentum. Dismissing Ishan Kishan for 23 and Suryakumar Yadav for a duck with excellent fielding by Mustafizur Rahman, CSK gains ground in the match.