IPL 2019: Revisiting the three thrilling finals between MI and CSK
Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) meet each other in IPL 2019 final.
The clash between these two giants is often referred to as the El Clasico of IPL. And why not, these two sides have been the most successful sides in the IPL having won the title three times each.
Before IPL 2019 final, these two sides have met thrice in the finals, viz. 2010, 2013 and 2015. Mumbai Indians have come out victorious twice while Chennai Super Kings have come out victorious once.
So, let’s revisit the three thrilling finals between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
#3: IPL 2010 FINAL, MUMBAI
The first of the three finals as both the teams were chasing their maiden IPL title.
Batting first, Chennai Super Kings had a cautious start as the CSK openers, Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden weren’t given any opportunity to break free. At the end of the seventh over, CSK were 43-0. However, the openers were sent back to the pavilion in the successive overs as Mumbai Indians maintained a solid grip.
But it was the incredible duo of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina that helped CSK post a healthy total. Raina’s 57(35) and Dhoni’s 22(14) lifted CSK to 168-5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 169, Mumbai Indians lost Dhawan for 0, but Tendulkar and Nayar built a good partnership to keep MI in the hunt. However, once Nayar got out, MI lost the track as they lost 5 quick wickets for 47 runs to give CSK the upper hand. Even Kieron Pollard’s 27(10) was not enough as CSK won the match by 22 runs.
#2: IPL 2013 FINAL, KOLKATA
Chasing their maiden IPL title, Mumbai Indians were out for a clash with the mighty, Chennai Super Kings with revenge in their mind.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians were on the backfoot by CSK as they lost three wickets for just 16 runs. Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik rebuilt after that, however, it was Pollard’s magnificent innings that proved to be the game-changer. The West Indian smashed 60(32) with 7 fours and 3 Sixes as he lifted Mumbai Indians to a respectable 148-9 in 20 overs.
Chennai Super Kings, who were chasing their third IPL title had a nightmarish start as they lost their first five wickets for just 36 runs. It was MS Dhoni’s calculative 63(45) that took CSK’s final score to 125 else they were losing this match badly.
Thus, MI took sweet revenge as Rohit Sharma inspired Mumbai Indians to their maiden IPL title.
#1: IPL 2015 FINAL, KOLKATA
The first high scoring finale between the two giants as Rohit Sharma led, Mumbai Indians stamped their authority further on the Chennai Super Kings with their second final win.
After asking MI to bat, CSK made early inroads in the form of Parthiv Patel’s wicket. However, after that wicket, CSK had no answers to Rohit Sharma and Lendl Simmons as both kept mauling the CSK bowlers.
Rohit Sharma scored a brisk 50 of just 26 balls, Lendl Simmons made a valuable 68(45) and Kieron Pollard once again smashed a wonderful 36(18) as MI posted a healthy 202-5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 203, CSK had a slowish start as they could manage only 67 runs in their initial 10 overs. They did have wickets in hand, but the RRR was so high that the batsmen started perishing one after the other. In the end, CSK could only manage 161-8 in 20 overs.
So, as Mumbai Indians meet Chennai Super Kings on 12th May for their fourth final clash, both teams will be chasing their record fourth title.
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Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.
Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.
Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.
