Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana came up with his best IPL figures, grabbing four wickets as Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by 20 runs, despite a heroic unbeaten century by Rohit Sharma at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
After Dhoni hammered three consecutive sixes in the final over bowled by Hardik Pandya to race to 20 not out off just four balls to propel CSK to a huge 206 for four, Pathirana grabbed 4 for 28 to halt the chase of MI at 186 for six.
Rohit produced his only second IPL century and first since 2012, hitting 11 fours and five sixes during his 63-ball knock.
But his magnificent effort did not get adequate support from the rest despite the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium remaining conducive for batting.
Defending champion CSK’s first away win this season also marked a fourth defeat for Mumbai Indians in six matches, keeping them at the eighth spot.
During the post-match press conference, CSK’s bowling consultant Eric Simmons claimed that even at this age, MS Dhoni never seems to amaze the team.
“You get an over like that, it gives you a massive momentum. He continues to amaze us. He has been batting exceptionally well from the pre season into the tournament. It is just another unbelievable MS Dhoni moment,” said Eric Simmons after the game.