In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, MS Dhoni turned back the clock with a scintillating batting performance against Hardik Pandya during the IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Entering the crease with just four balls remaining in the CSK innings, Dhoni unleashed his vintage form, smashing Hardik for three consecutive sixes. The crowd at Wankhede Stadium was electrified as the veteran cricketer showcased his explosive batting prowess, scoring 20 runs off just four deliveries at an astonishing strike rate of 500.
On the first delivery he faced, a slower ball from Hardik, Dhoni expertly gauged the length and dispatched it over long-off for a towering six. Unfazed by the bowler’s subsequent attempts to rectify his line and length, Dhoni continued his onslaught, sending the next delivery sailing over wide long-on for another maximum.
The third delivery proved to be the most punishing for Hardik, who delivered a low full toss on the pads, allowing Dhoni to effortlessly flick it over deep square leg for his third six of the match. Although Dhoni aimed to conclude the over with another boundary, he slightly mistimed the final delivery, settling for a double as CSK’s total crossed the 200-run mark, courtesy of his late fireworks.
In the broader context of the match, Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 66 and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s impressive 69 set the stage for CSK’s imposing total of 206/4. Despite Hardik Pandya being the only MI bowler to claim two wickets, the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the CSK batsmen.
Reflecting on the pitch conditions and the match scenario, Mumbai Indians pacer Gerald Coetzee acknowledged the challenge posed by the dew factor, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the changing conditions. Coetzee also expressed his admiration for teammate Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting the learning opportunities provided by playing alongside one of the world’s best bowlers in the T20 format.
Overall, Dhoni’s vintage batting display and CSK’s commanding total set the stage for an enthralling contest, with both teams showcasing their prowess in this high-octane IPL encounter.
