Mumbai Indians defeated champions Chennai Super Kings in an emphatic manner on 4th April 2012 in the first match of Indian Premier League IPL 2012 at Chennai.
Batting first the home side looked to set up a daunting target for the Chennai Super Kings but lost their way around the 80 run mark. The side lost an early wicket but Suresh Raina offered some resistance and Chennai Super Kings looked to reach a target of 160 -180 runs at 9.00 runs per over. But who would have thought of the unthinkable!
The rest of the side capitulated to some smart bowling by Mumbai Indians and as a result of which they were shot out for 112 in the 20 overs. The last seven wickets fell like a pack of cards and Mumbai Indians were left to chase a target of 113 runs. One of the reasons for the downfall of the Mumbai Indians were three run-outs in the Chennai Super Kings line up that dented the team’s hopes for a big score. Also, some smart bowling by Pragyan Ojha ensured that the home side lost wickets and was tied down at the same time.
Mumbai Indians came out all guns blazing in Sachin Tendulkar and Richard Levi. Levi, the new face in the Mumbai Indians squad for this year lived up to his expectations as he struck some mighty blows to the fence. His knock of 50 runs, comprised of 6 fours and 3 sixes, notching up 42 runs of boundaries itself!!!
Watch the swashbuckling innings of Richard Levi here
Although Sachin Tendulkar retired hurt, Mumbai Indians cruised to win by 8 wickets and 19 balls to spare. This was a side that was being led by beleaguered Harbhajan Singh who got an opportunity to prove his worth as a bowler and a captain. Though he failed to impress in the bowling department as he did not pick up wickets, he marshaled his team well to ensure that Mumbai Indians recorded their first win of this Indian Premier League 2012 (IPL5 T20 2012).
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings looked out of sorts and have to get their act together quickly as bot their batting and bowling department needs a facelift after the shoddy performance yesterday.
The next match i.e. Match 2 is going to be played between Kolkata Knight Riders Vs. Delhi Daredevils to be played on 5th April 2012. The telecast starts at 8:00 p.m.
You can watch some thrilling action of the match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings below:
First innings highlights:
Fall of wickets – 1st Inning Wickets: IPL 2012 – CSK vs MI, MATCH01
Second innings highlights – 2nd Inning Highlights: IPL 2012 – CSK vs MI, MATCH01