Hardik Pandya

NEW DELHI: Matheesha Pathirana and the timeless MS Dhoni dealt decisive blows as Chennai Super Kings triumphed over Mumbai Indians by a margin of 20 runs, despite Rohit Sharma‘s resilient, unbeaten 105 in their clash in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.Dhoni’s onslaught of three consecutive sixes in the final over, bowled by Hardik Pandya, propelled CSK to a commanding total of 206 for four, with Dhoni himself reaching 20 not out from just four deliveries.Pathirana’s stellar performance, claiming 4 wickets for 28 runs, effectively curbed MI’s chase, restricting them to 186 for six. Rohit showcased his brilliance with only his second IPL century and first since 2012, smashing 11 boundaries and five maximums in his 63-ball innings. However, his remarkable innings lacked support from the rest of the MI lineup, despite the favorable batting conditions at the Wankhede Stadium.The defending champions, CSK, secured their first away victory of the season, propelling them to third place with eight points, while MI suffered their fourth defeat in six matches, languishing at the eighth position in the standings.In a game wherein the loudest cheers were reserved for Dhoni, Mumbai skipper Pandya continued to get booed intermittently. There were, though, a section of fans cheering him on at least once, like they did in the last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Unlike CSK, who got their majority of runs in the last 10 overs (136), Mumbai Indians remained in the hunt of in the initial part through Rohit’s sustained acceleration and some handy contributions from others.Once again, Rohit set the platform for Mumbai with a sturdy 70-run stand in seven overs with Ishan Kishan, who raced to 23 off 15 balls (3x4s, 1x6s).With MI on charge, pacer Pathirana produced a two-wicket over after the powerplay accounting for Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav (0), getting him caught at third man with Mustafizur Rahman producing a juggling act at the ropes to complete the catch. Tilak Varma aided Rohit with a 20-ball 31 laced with five fours, adding 60 off 38 balls for the third wicket, but Pathirana’s return broke their stand.However, it was the Mumbai duo of Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande tilted the game in favour of CSK, producing two tight overs which broke the back of MI’s chase.Pandya fell for just two but consumed six balls and Tim David hammered a couple of sixes but failed to capitalise. Amid all this, Rohit remained stuck at the other end watching the game slip away despite his best effort.Earlier. Dhoni’s ballistic 20 garnished forceful fifties by Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad as Chennai Super Kings powered to a strong 206 for four.Dube (66 not out, 10×4, 2×6) and Gaikwad (69), who milked 90 runs off a mere 45 balls for the third wicket, gave Chennai innings steam in the initial and middle passages of the play before Dhoni mesmerized a packed Wankhede with vintage shot-making. The former CSK skipper hammered three consecutive sixes off MI skipper Pandya (2/43) to help his side collect 26 runs off the final over.Dhoni’s stunning knock – which had the balls sailing over long-off, wide long-on and deep square leg – also pushed Chennai past the 200-run mark, which did appear tough until that final over.Even though he could not push beyond 69, which came off 40 balls with five sixes and as many boundaries, Gaikwad appeared in prime form.The CSK skipper hit through the line effortlessly to clear ropes and when the MI bowlers challenged him by angling their deliveries into his body, Gaikwad improvised to find his runs without taking any unwanted risks.Dube remained unbeaten on 66 off 38 balls, studded with 10 fours and two sixes.(With inputs from PTI)