CSK skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl first, with both teams announcing key absentees. While CSK was without the services of star English all-rounders Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes, MI missed the presence of their pace spearhead Jofra Archer.
Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for CSK with a three-wicket haul that played a crucial role in restricting MI to a paltry total of 157-8. MI opener Ishan Kishan was the top-scorer with 32 runs, but none of the other batsmen could make significant contributions. The CSK bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings and never let the MI batsmen settle.
In reply, CSK got off to a flying start, thanks to their debutant Ajinkya Rahane, who scored a quick-fire half-century off just 19 balls. His innings provided a solid foundation for CSK to chase down the target with ease. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu also chipped in with valuable contributions, as CSK chased down the target with seven wickets in hand.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Well played Ajinkya Rahane
You have made many critics eat their own words with a pure masterpiece filled with sublime batting. pic.twitter.com/bNEWCxsTLq
— North Stand Gang – Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) April 8, 2023
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