Skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to bowl first proved to be spot on as the MI bowlers kept things tight upfront before the batters delivered a demolition job. The win not only avenged their earlier loss to CSK this season but also handed MI a vital net run rate (NRR) boost in the playoff race.
It was a packed house at Wankhede with fans from both sides turning up in huge numbers for the blockbuster clash. CSK openers Rachin Ravindra and Shaik Rasheed started cautiously, crawling to 16/0 after three overs. The momentum shifted swiftly when Ashwani Kumar, returning to the playing XI, struck with his first ball to dismiss Ravindra.
Enter 17-year-old debutant Ayush Mhatre. The youngster announced himself in grand style by smashing 4, 6, 6 off the final three deliveries of that over, injecting life into the CSK innings. Mhatre's fearless 32 off just 15 balls, however, was short-lived as Deepak Chahar removed him just after the powerplay. Santner followed up by stumping Rasheed in the next over, leaving CSK in a spot at 63/3 in eight overs.
Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja then resurrected the innings with a steady partnership. After a slow start, they exploded in the latter half, especially targeting Ashwani Kumar for 24 runs in the 16th over. Dube continued his strong season with a 32-ball 50 before Jasprit Bumrah sent him back, and followed it up with the wicket of MS Dhoni. Jadeja remained unbeaten with a well-paced 53* (35), pushing CSK to a competitive 176/5.
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