CSK survive to fight another day

However, Mumbai Indian's seventh defeat in nine matches all but ends their playoff hopes

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

Chennai Super Kings' captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the chase to perfection.

(AP)

Excellent execution by the Chennai Super Kings bowlers in the middle and death overs proved to be the difference in their IPL game against the Mumbai Indians at Chennai’s M A Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

In a game where both teams needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, CSK took control of the innings with a clinical display in the last 10 overs, restricting MI to a below-par total of 159/7.

Pacer Jamie Overton hurried the batters, bowling four of the last 10 for figures of 4-0-23-1; Anshul Kamboj had a fruitful outing with three wickets for 32 runs while spinner Noor Ahmad made the difference with prized scalps of opener Ryan Rickleton and Tilak Varma. CSK’s new pace bowler, Ramakrishna Ghosh also made an impressive start by picking up the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav after taking a terrific diving catch off the dangerous Will Jacks in the outfield. ‘After electing to bat, MI received a good start from Ryan Rickleton and Naman Dhir, who smashed seven sixes between them. - the highest percentage of runs scored through sixes in the first six overs in the IPL.