IPL 2020: Iconic clashes between CSK and MI in history

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) close end matches have not recently surfaced but have been an age-old rivalry. Let’s just look at some of their iconic clashes from the past. 

The franchisees with a wide fanbase, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been among the favorites from time immemorial. Often known as the ‘El-Classico’ of Indian Premier League (IPL), the clash between the two teams is often seen by an overwhelming response of viewership. Recently, their opening clash in IPL 2020, too witnessed a whopping viewership of 20 crores, the highest ever in the IPL history. 

Despite the fact that the legendary players associated with both the teams in the initial seasons have retired, the teams have still managed to maintain their stature and supremacy. MI have lifted the trophy four times while CSK have clinched the title three times as of now. As the teams have locked horns ample number of times with each other, we look at some of their major clashes till now.
 

IPL 2019 Final: MI won by one run
One of the riveting clashes between the two teams, viewers were glued to the 2019 finals till the last ball. Batting first, MI had put 150 on the board which CSK struggled to chase following MI tough bowling attack. CSK kept losing wickets gradually which accumulated some pressure in the final overs and it was Shane Watson who had instilled some hope for CSK. Following Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent bowling, Lasith Malinga, who had been out-of-form in the IPL season, trapped Shardul Thakur in lbw on the last ball and MI emerged victorious on the last ball. 

IPL 2018: CSK won by one wicket 
CSK’s comeback after- a two-year ban saw their victory against MI. Batting first, MI put a total of 165 runs from Krunal Pandya’s smashing in the last overs. CSK batting order fluked initially and they were 84 for 6. CSK’s star all-rounder, batting at No.7, smashed 68 runs from 30 balls but couldn't get CSK the winning runs, leaving CSK to chase down seven runs with a wicket to spare in the final over. It was limping Kedar Jadhav who returned, unable to walk to try his luck for CSK and somehow smashed a six over fine-leg followed by a four to seal a one-wicket win for CSK.

IPL 2012: MI won by two-wickets
The match in 2012 saw an overturn of events. A match that was nearly in favor of CSK was lost in the last ten balls following the heroic batting from Dwayne Smith. Chasing 174 runs to win, MI looked promising with the fifties from Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. No sooner they lost some wickets and 14 runs were required off the last three balls. Smith, in all devastating form, smashed a couple of fours and six to seal the deal where MI won by two wickets.
 

IPL 2011: MI won by eight runs
In 2011, CSK batting order collapsed and they lost the match. Batting first, it was a quick-fire 87-run knock from Rohit Sharma following which MI registered 164/4 after their 20 overs. In chase on an easy wicket, CSK 98/3 in 11.2 overs and could only manage to score 156/9 in their 20 overs. A 71-run knock from S Badrinath went futile as CSK lost the game by eight runs.

IPL 2008: CSK won by six runs
In the inaugural IPL season in 2008, CSK and MI clashed for the very first time at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. In a high-scoring match, CSK aggregated 208 runs on the board while batting first owing to an 81-run knock by Matthew Hayden. In return, MI looked no less promising as the top order was in form. It was then CSK managed to scalp a few wickets in the middle overs. With a tough situation in end, Abhishek Nayar and Harbhajan Singh showcased their skills with the bat to chase the CSK total but fell short by six runs in the end. 

IPL 2008: CSK won by six runs
In the inaugural IPL season in 2008, CSK and MI clashed for the very first time at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. In a high-scoring match, CSK aggregated 208 runs on the board while batting first owing to an 81-run knock by Matthew Hayden. In return, MI looked no less promising as the top order was in form. It was then CSK managed to scalp a few wickets in the middle overs. With a tough situation in end, Abhishek Nayar and Harbhajan Singh showcased their skills with the bat to chase the CSK total but fell short by six runs in the end.