IPL: CSK beats MI to start strong

IPL 2021: It was opening night for the restart of the IPL phase 2. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indian gave a thrilling show after almost 4 months of break. It was Chennai coming out on top to beat Mumbai by 20 runs.

CSK won the toss and decided to bat first. @ Dubai International Stadium.

Ruturaj Gaikwad blasts Mumbai.

CSK had a terrible start to the game losing quick wickets and the decision to bat first was under debating clouds. Trent Boult struck in the very first over getting Faf Du Plessis at point. Adam Milne gave a double blow in the next over, Moeen Ali had to depart playing a lose shot while getting caught at short cover. CSK 2-2.

Ambati Rayudu was hit by a bouncer from Milne and had to retired hurt. Suresh Raina was at the crease he too could not make any impact. Trent Boult was cramping him for space. While Raina wanted to make space for himself. He tried to go down the ground but could only manage to give a simple catch to Rahul Chahar at cover point.

Chennai skipper, Thala Dhoni, was at the crease but was the victim of a well-planned wicket. A short delivery from Milne, Which Dhoni tried to pull and finding safe hands of Boult at deep square leg. CSK 24-4.

Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj stretched the innings with a much-needed partnership for CSK. Meanwhile, a chance slipped away of caught behind, which proved costly as Ruturaj was unstoppable at the end.

A class act from the youngster. He showed today that he is ready for the international challenge with his maturity. Ruturaj was scoring everywhere and that showed his range too. He finished the innings unbeaten.

A small but powerful cameo from the recent CPL winning captain thrust CSK’s score past 155. What a way to finish the innings. Chennai dugout felt relief after posting a respectable total.

Mumbai fails to convert the start: IPL.

Quinton Dekock starting the innings with a flare. But the perfectionist, Deepak Chahar, caught him in front. Umpire’s thought on that one was in favour of Mumbai. Dhoni quickly took DRS to overturn the decision with hawkeye showing three reds.

Suryakumar Yadav also fell short of his trademark shot-over covers. The ball hit the bottom of the bat and did not travel too far. Faf diving to his left took a good catch.

Ishan Kishan with a shot straight into the hands of Suresh Raina at the covers. He was very disappointed with the way he played that shot. The shot was there to be played.

Dhoni’s captaincy proved deadly for Mumbai with some accurate bowling changes at the right time. Josh Hazlewood was brought into the attack watching Pollard dominating Jadeja and Bravo. Pollard was caught in the crease LBW. Superb delivery.

Saurabh Tiwari was the lone warrior for MI with his electric 50 runs knock. MI came very close to challenge for a win but CSK held it nicely.

Some heartbeat racing moments for CSK but captain cool kept it under control.

Watch the highlights Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings. HERE.

Buy Merchandise of CSK & MI right here.