IPL 2024: CSK chokes MI, Rohit Sharma’s century goes in vain

Despite Rohit Sharma’s electrifying second IPL century, Mumbai Indians (MI) fell short as Matheesha Pathirana’s four-wicket haul anchored Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a 20-run victory at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

This win propels CSK to third place, boasting four victories and two losses, totaling eight points. Conversely, MI finds itself in the eighth position, with two wins and four losses, summing up to four points.

MI’s innings began ambitiously with a 207-run target. The opening duo, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, launched a robust start, particularly exploiting the pace trio of Tushar Deshpande, Shardul Thakur, and Mustafizur Rahman. The onslaught yielded 53 runs in the first five overs without loss.

However, the dynamic shifted when Pathirana dismantled the promising 70-run opening stand by dismissing Kishan for 23. This breakthrough was quickly followed by Suryakumar Yadav’s departure, leaving MI at 70/2 in the seventh over.

Rohit’s formidable presence at the crease saw him reaching a half-century in 30 balls, but the momentum faltered mid-innings. Despite a valiant 50-run partnership with Tilak Varma, Pathirana and the CSK bowlers tightened their grip, culminating in MI finishing at 186/6. Rohit remained unbeaten, scoring 105* from 63 deliveries, but his effort was not enough to overcome CSK’s challenge.

Pathirana emerged as the standout bowler for CSK with impressive figures of 4/28, while Tushar and Mustafizur also contributed crucial wickets.

Earlier in the day, CSK set a formidable target of 207, driven by significant contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, and a thrilling final over cameo by MS Dhoni, who smashed three sixes to propel the score to 206/4. Gaikwad’s elegant 69 and Dube’s explosive 66* set the stage for CSK’s competitive total.

CSK’s strategic bowling and Pathirana’s clinical performance sealed a well-fought victory, showcasing their prowess and resilience in a crucial match-up against their rivals, MI.