Chennai, May 7
Suryakumar Yadav played one of his finest knocks on a challenging track as Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in the first Qualifier, entering the IPL final for the fifth time.
On a sluggish pitch, which offered considerable turn and odd bounce, Yadav batted with patience, scoring an unbeaten 71 off 54 balls.
However, CSK will get another chance to make it to their eighth summit clash as they will now play the second Qualifier against the winner of the Eliminator between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The target of 132 wasn’t a big one but once the below-par Chepauk pitch was factored in, the chasing team had its own set of challenges.
With senior players Rohit Sharma (4) and Quinton de Kock (8) returning quickly, Yadav and Ishan Kishan (28, 31 balls) traded their natural flair for caution, adding 80 runs that set the platform. While Yadav hit 10 fours, Kishan had three fours and a six in his innings.
While Imran Tahir (2/33 in 4 overs) dismissed Kishan and Krunal Pandya (0) off successive deliveries in the 14th over, it was more a of minor scare as Yadav anchored the chase with ease in Hardik Pandya’s company.
The best part about Yadav’s batting was how late he played both Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja (0/18 in 4 overs) whenever they got the ball to turn away from the right-hander. The best part was not taking undue risks against Jadeja, who looked menacing on this track. When Tahir flighted, he would whip him through mid-wicket.
A big role in the win was also played by MI spinners Rahul Chahar, Krunal Pandya and Jayant Yadav, who gave away only 60 runs between them, while taking all the four wickets. — PTI
5th time Mumbai Indians will play in the final of the IPL. They have won the title thrice
5 sixes were hit in the match — four during the CSK innings, and one, by Ishan Kishan, during MI’s chase
3.50 Runs/over — Rahul Chahar’s economy. The Mumbai leg-spinner bowled 13 dot balls and conceded just one boundary
It was important from one of the top-three to bat till the end. It was a big game and it needed a bigger performance. After the first innings, I saw what happened. I just wanted to play down the ground and focus on singles and doubles. Suryakumar Yadav, Man of the match
It was a great effort and it’s a great feeling to be knowing we will be in the final. Three good days to switch off — it’s a much-need break for us. I knew we had the bowlers to restrict them and I had the confidence in the batters. Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians Captain
You need to know the pitch at home — whether it’s tacky. That is something we didn’t do well. The batting needs to do better. The top order has been on and off. Hopefully, we crack the code next game. MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings Captain
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2VpOIuD
via Today’s News Headlines
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