IPL 2022: CSK vs MI Review – Mumbai knock Chennai out of the tournament
The El Clasico of the IPL had already lost its sheen, with both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings knocked out of contention for the playoffs, and CSK’s nightmarish outing with the bat made it an even more pale contest for the viewing. However, in a small defence, they made their arch-rivals work hard before MI clinched a five-wicket victory.
After being put in, the Super Kings were folded for their second-lowest total in the league history, a paltry 97, with extras (15) being the second-highest scorer in their sorry-looking scorecard.
CSK opener Devon Conway was unlucky in particular for being denied a DRS review – owing to a power outage at the venue – on what certainly looked like a reviewable decision off the bowling of Daniel Sams. Sams then removed Moeen Ali for a two-ball duck and destroyed CSK’s powerplay when he got Ruturaj Gaikwad in his next.
The triple blow meant CSK could never recover, and regular loss of wickets continued even as MS Dhoni held an end up with his 36 off 33. However, no batter stuck around for a partnership as CSK were dismissed in 16 overs. Meanwhile, Sams, who finished with exceptional figures of 3/16 was assisted well by Jasprit Bumrah (1/12) while Riley Meredith and Kumar Kartikeya picked two apiece.
Chasing 98, MI did not have the swiftest of starts, courtesy of Mukesh Choudhary, whose disciplined bowling was rewarded by three wickets in the powerplay. Choudhary first got rid of Ishan Kishan and then returned to deliver a double-wicket over in which he saw the back of Daniel Sams and debutant Tristian Stubbs. Simarjeet Singh joined the party with the wicket of Rohit Sharma, who scored a free-flowing 18 off 14 before being dismissed.
However, chasing a small total meant MI had the luxury of taking their time, which is what Tilak Varma and Hrithik Shokeen did in their 48-run fifth-wicket partnership that came in 47 balls. The stand was broken by Moeen when he cleaned up Hrithik for 18 off 23, but Tim David raced to 16 off seven to take his team home in 14.5 overs.
Top performers of the match
Daniel Sams
None amongst the CSK top-four could even reach into double-digits thanks to an inspirational start by Sams, who removed three of them, including Conway and Moeen for ducks in the opening over.
Tilak Varma
After MI were rocked by Mukesh Choudhary’s spell, youngster Varma displayed great character in his composed knock of 34 off 32, with four fours. It was his alliance with Shokeen that ensured things did not go south for MI in a small chase.
What next for the two teams?
Chennai Super Kings will next be up against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on May 15 whereas Mumbai Indians will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the same venue on May 17.
