MS Dhoni vs MI: The Sportsrush presents before you Chennai Super Kings captain’s performance against Mumbai Indians in IPL Playoffs.
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Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be unequivocally under the limelight during the first qualifier of the ongoing 12th season of the Indian Premier League. Playing on his home ground against Mumbai in an IPL Playoff match for the first time, Dhoni and CSK would be looking to bank on the advantage.
In 12 matches for CSK this year, Dhoni has scored 368 runs at an average of 122.66 and a strike rate of 139.92 including three half-centuries and three ‘Man of the Match’ awards.
With Super Kings losing both the matches without Dhoni this season, it speaks highly about his importance in the side. Being beaten by Indians in both the encounters in IPL 2019, tomorrow’s match won’t be a mean task for the hosts.
MS Dhoni vs MI
In seven IPL playoff matches against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni has scored 154 runs at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 163.82 including a couple of half-centuries. Among his two half-centuries in five innings, the first came in a winning effort during the Elimination Final of IPL 2012.
Coming in to bat at No. 5 in the 14th over, Dhoni scored a whirlwind 51* (20) with the help of six fours and two sixes. A strike rate of 255 propelled Chennai to 187/5 in their allotted quota of 20 overs.
Other than Dhoni, opening batsman Michael Hussey had contributed with 49 (39) with the help of eight fours and a six. CSK all-rounders in Albie Morkel and Dwayne Bravo picking up a couple of wickets each saw MI being restricted to 149/9 in 20 overs.
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Dhoni’s second half-century had come in a one-man show during the final of IPL 2013 at Eden Gardens. Chasing a 149-run target, Dhoni came in to bat at 36/5 in the seventh over. The CSK skipper did score 63* (45) with the help of three fours and five sixes but lack of support from the other end didn’t aid CSK in sealing the chase.
Expectations from Suresh Raina
Super Kings vice-captain Suresh Raina also possesses a brilliant record against Indians in IPL Playoffs. In seven matches, Raina has scored 246 runs at an average of 61.5 and a strike rate of 162.91 including three half-centuries in winning causes.
Having scored 359 runs in 14 matches at an average of 27.61 and a strike rate of 128.21 including three half-centuries this season, Raina has showed signs of finding form lately. Coming on the back of a couple of half-centuries, the southpaw would be looking to continue his form in the playoffs.
With Mumbai being unbeaten against Chennai at Chepauk, local fans would be hoping for both of their most liked players take apart the MI bowling attack tomorrow.
