It was a time when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was just a few moments away from the defeat. But Dwayne Bravo’s destructive batting snatched the game from Mumbai Indians (MI).
It was the opening game of IPL 2018 at Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) where CSK made their IPL comeback after completing their two years suspension. Chasing on 166 runs target that set by MI, CSK was once 119/8 in 17 overs. While CSK still needed 47 runs in 18 balls with just two wickets in hands (including retired-hurt Kedar Jadhav), Dwayne Bravo storm totally changed the momentum of the game.
Also read: Match 1 (MI vs CSK) – Turning Point of the Match
Bravo completed his half-century in just 25 balls and scored 68 runs in 30 balls. In that innings, Bravo hit 7 sixes and 3 fours. When he was caught out, CSK needed 7 runs in the final over which brilliantly finished by injured Kedar Jadhav.
Bravo dedicated this victory to the CSK fans while he also said that it was a great team effort.
During the match presentation ceremony, the Player of the Match winner said, “It was a great team effort. Want to dedicate this win to CSK fans. They waited so long for this moment. I’m happy. CSK have shown lot of faith in me. Wanted to give myself the best opportunity to start well. Here at Wankhede, once you bat deep, chances are you’ll win the game. Just happy with the win tonight.”
CSK skipper MS Dhoni wanted to get closer to the target, but Bravo gifted him a victory.
Speaking of that, Dhoni said, “I’m a practical person, so I was hoping in the dressing room that the quantum of defeat shouldn’t be too big. The idea was – if there’s a chance to win, go for it, but also try to get closer to the target. The way Bravo batted, it was really good to see him take the responsibility. Don’t think we batted well as a team. But it’s the first game, so we’ll take the positives out of it.”
Also read: Match 1 (MI vs CSK) – Hits and Flops
Dhoni also mentioned that their team has a lot of varieties and their strategies will be changed according to the situation and condition.
He quoted on that, “The kind of players we have got, our selection will be based on horses for courses where we’ll see the wicket and then decide. We’ll also keep an eye for players who are injury prone. We’ll have to keep an eye on lot of things. We have quite a few who can bat and bowl.”
Dhoni also praised the CSK fans who were present in the game. The CSK skipper also mentioned that their support will be important for his team in the upcoming matches.
36-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman said, “I think they missed the competition (on Wankhede fans cheering CSK). CSK-MI is one game that people wait to watch. Support has always been there wherever we’ve played. We’re coming back after two years, that’s also the reason that people are eager to watch us in action. Overall the spectators have been very good. Those will be more important for us in the coming games.”
