Chennai Super Kings came back from the dead to pull off a literally stunning win over the defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. At one stage with no batsman at the other end to support Dwayne Bravo, CSK looked like having no chance at all and appeared to be just going through the formalities at the end of the 17th over of the second innings.
It was then that the turning point in the match arrived. Dwayne Bravo was on strike with Imran Tahir at the other end. Tahir is known for his celebratory run but not so much for runs scored on the pitch. It was all up to Dwayne Bravo. The level of challenge was a few notches above than any other. Mumbai Indians possessed three of the best finishing bowlers to be playing in t20 circuit currently.
India’s ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is known for his death bowling. Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rehman with his variations often outthinks the batsman. Mitchell McClenaghan is a T20 specialist and plays the world over. This was the trio that Bravo had to beat to get anywhere near.
Also read: IPL 2018: Match 1 (MI vs CSK) – DJ Bravo And Jadhav Outplays Mumbai
It all began in the 18th over. Dwayne Bravo is on strike to Mitchell McClenaghan. Chennai needs 46 runs to win from the last 17 balls with only injured Kedar Jadhav still to bat. Next, Bravo smashed McClenaghan for a straight six and a six over midwicket. Two sixes in two balls. It is too little too late, isn’t it?
Another boundary was scored in McClenaghan‘s over. Target now 27 from 12 with Bumrah to bowl next. Even somewhere around 12-15 runs would be great to score from his over if scored. Bravo did far better. 6,6,2,0, 6. A total of 20 runs and the target suddenly well within reach now 7 from 7.
Bravo got out next ball and the injured Kedar Jadhav guided CSK to a heroic victory but the match and moment belonged to Bravo. His acceleration in the later stage was one that would put a formula-1 car to shame. He scored 39 runs in the last 10 balls he faced before getting out. The ‘Champion’ took Chennai home. The start of IPL 2018 could not have been better.
