IPL 2020, MI vs CSK: MI crush CSK by 10 wickets to regain top spot, MS Dhoni & Co. on verge of elimination in IPL 2020

KEY HIGHLIGTS

• Match 41 of the ongoing IPL 2020 edition saw another poor show from the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they faced defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Sharjah.

• Already in a must-win scenario, it was another forgettable evening in the park for the three-time champions as the MI franchise once again top the points table with a comfortable 10-wicket win on Friday (October 23).

  Batting first, CSK replaced Shane Watson and Kedar Jadhav with Ruturaj Gaekwad and N Jagadeesan.

• However, problems aplenty remained for the Yellow Army as they surrendered in front of Trent Boult-Jasprit Bumrah’s seam, movement and short-pitched deliveries. CSK woes continued as they were 3-3 in no time.

• Soon, they lost five wickets in the powerplay for the first time and were reeling at 43-7, the third-lowest score overall at the fall of 7th wicket in IPL.

• When many thought the Yellow Army may succumb within the 50-run mark and post the lowest-ever score in IPL history, Sam Curran saved the day for them courtesy a fighting 52.

• The young Englishman stitched handy stands with Shardul Thakur and Imran Tahir as his 47-ball 52, laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes, ensured CSK have something to defend by managing 114/9.

• In reply, MI openers Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan came out all guns blazing. With no scoreboard pressure, MI promoted Kishan up the order to gain more confidence as the playoffs is nearing.

• The youngster played his shots from the word go. On the other hand, de Kock was a bit slow to start off.

• Dhoni once again bowled Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood in tandem, however, they couldn’t threaten the MI openers.

• While some edges fell in no man’s land, Hazlewood didn’t resort to the short-pitched deliveries as MI batters were off to a flyer.

• Kishan thrashed the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul and Imran Tahir whereas de Kock joined the party soon.

• Ishan and De Kock looked in imperious touch as Dhoni & Co. once again didn’t try anything risky while defending a mere 115.

• Hence, MI romped past CSK by 10 wickets and 70 balls to spare to once again regain the top spot in the points table.

• Meanwhile, CSK continue to slip further as their season is turning out to be a disastrous one with each passing game.