CSK vs MI (Eliminator): Rampaging Mumbai take on steady Chennai

Tags: Indian Premier League 2014, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Corey James Anderson, Michael Edward Killeen Hussey, Mohit Mahipal Sharma, Dwayne Romel Smith

Published on: May 28, 2014

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have meet in knockout matches a number of times over the last few seasons.

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have meet in knockout matches a number of times over the last few seasons. The results have been mixed, so neither side can claim the upper hand as they go into battle against each other once again. The fact that both the sides have met faced one another in crunch games will stand them in good stead for another big game. But, which side holds their nerve on the day is what will matter. Chennai haven’t finished in the top two after an impressive start while Mumbai have come back from the brink. The contrasting paths the teams have taken will make the contest ever more intriguing.

Key players

Corey Anderson: Out of nowhere, the big-hitting New Zealander has become the man to watch out for in the eliminator. There was never any doubt about his monstrous-hitting talent, but what Anderson pulled off against Rajasthan Royals was Maxwell-esque. His sensational 95 in the last game is the reason why Mumbai find themselves in the eliminator against Chennai, else they would have been ousted of the tournament, and Rajasthan would have been featuring in the clash.

Mike Hussey: The veteran Aussie did not have a great start to the event, and had to be dropped off after the first few games. In his second coming though he has been more of himself. Hussey has come up with a couple of extremely pleasing half-centuries at the top of the innings, thus providing Mumbai the much-needed momentum. With LendlSimmons, Hussey has formed a formidable pair as the opening outfit.Hussey will be key for Mumbai in the big clash against his old franchise.

Mohit Sharma: The Chennai medium pacer has been among the bright spots for the team. As always, his economy has been on the higher side, but Sharma has been among the wickets. He so far has 19 wickets from 14 matches, and has been among the few pacers who has managed to move the ball around and trouble the batsmen. Mumbai’s dangerous batsmen would pose him a bigger challenge without doubt.

Dwayne Smith: The Chennai opener has been as consistency personified as any other top batsman in this event. In terms of runs, he next only two Robin Uthappa, with 535 runs from 14 games. Smith has notched up as many as five half-centuries during his IPL, and his strike rate of 139 has also been excellent. Without doubt, Chennai would be looking for another big knock from their form player. Previous encounters in IPL 7

Mumbai were restricted to 141 in their first clash against Chennai, batting first, though Rohit Sharma came up with a half-century. Brendon McCullum’s 71 however saw them ease to a win. Those were the times Mumbai were losing everything. When the teams met a second time round, Mumbai managed 157, again batting first, but Chennai against chased down the score with ease, owing to their batting depth.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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