IPL 2017 MI Wins IPL Beating RPS By 1 Run

#IPL 2017 Final
#MIvRPS

Rising Pune had won all the three meetings between the teams this year.
But, Mumbai Indians defeated Rising Pune Supergiant in the 10th edition of Indian Premier League on Sunday to lift their third IPL trophy. Having zipped past nearly all other teams, MI had not been able to defeat RPS.

At various times, skipper Smith, the talismanic MS Dhoni, Manoj Tiwary and even a largely off-colour Ajinkya Rahane had inspired the team to victory. This was one of the closely contested IPL Finals till date.

In a match that went right down to the last ball, Mumbai registered a one-run victory in the packed Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in Hyderabad. MI began favourites in this title clash - for they had good balance and several match-winners in their ranks. If it was not for the brilliance of Krunal Pandya (47), the "blues" would have found it hard to cross 120 and provide some resistance to their nemesis this season. Mumbai were reeling at 79-7 but Krunal Pandya topscored for them with a belligerent 47 before falling to the final delivery of the innings.

Mitchell Johnson's brilliant final over ensured RPS couldnt cross the line and become IPL champions and MI lifted the trophy a third time; 2013, 2015 and now 2017.

MI again tormented Dhoni and Fleming in an IPL final yet again. In four previous final losses in CSK colours, two of those had come against the Mumbai Indians.

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IPL 2017 Final 2017: Balanced MI Take On Their Bogey Rival RPS In Maha Derby

#IPL 2017 #Final
#MIvRPS

Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant will meet in the Indian Premier League final on Sunday, less than a week after the two sides faced off in the first qualifier, which Pune won. Supergiant cruised to a routine 20-run win in that match, but Mumbai's bowlers appear to have discovered their form since, holding Kolkata Knight Riders to just 107 runs in Friday's second qualifier.

The match will be played at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.

RPS lead Mumbai 3-0 this season (2 league wins and win in Qualifier 1) and will look to keep their grip hold. MI on the otherhand would like to show who is the real boss? owing to their allround ability and better team strength.

Mumbai's bowlers redeemed themselves in a big way on Friday after their disappointing showing in the first qualifier, bowling out Kolkata in fewer than 19 overs on their way to a fine win. Karn Sharma led the way with four wickets, and he finished with some remarkable numbers overall. 

He wasn't the only one who impressed, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga all living up to their hefty expectations. It was the kind of spectacular bowling performance the Indians needed, and a far cry from Tuesday's poor showing.

In their last meeting, Pune had two players score half-centuries (Ajinkya Rahane and Manoj Tiwary), while MS Dhoni added an unbeaten 40. Supergiant were extremely aggressive, but the tactic ultimately paid off. It didn't hurt that Mumbai's top order stumbled, with only Parthiv Patel scoring at a fair rate. Rohit Sharma was kept very quiet, and that's unlikely to happen again.

The absence of both Ben Stokes and Imran Tahir didn't seem to bother Pune all that much in their last match, but their experience could have been crucial in a final. If there's one thing Mumbai aren't shy of, it's just that―experience.

Expect Mumbai's top stars―Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons―to flash their big-match potential on their way to halting Pune's win streak over Indians. It will be close, but Mumbai are billed win the IPL title on Sunday unless the wily old fox - MS Dhoni and Steve Smith have some tricks in their bag!

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IPL 2017: DJ Bravo New Song Featuring VK and MSD

#DJBravo #IPL #IPL 2017

Rhythm is the essence of West Indies and Gujarat Lions all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, be it delivering those perfect slower ones in the Indian Premier League, breaking into victory moves or expressing it all in music.

After creating waves with his #Hit #Song '#Champion', Dwayne Bravo seems set to produce another track which features India captain #ViratKohli and his predecessor #MSDhoni.

The number 'Champion' by the 33-year-old Trinidadian was a hit during the 2016 World Twenty20 in India, which was won by West Indies.

 

This time around, Bravo's song revolves around India and arguably its two biggest #Cricketing names at the moment.

Bravo goes: "Let us go over to India, India, India. I call up a boy named Kohli, Kohli, Kohli. We tell him to WhatsApp Dhoni, Dhoni, Dhoni." As the all-rounder ends the song, the two burst out laughing.

#Kohli also featured in Bravo's song 'Chalo, Chalo', which features many cricketers like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Michael Hussey and Irfan Pathan.

Bravo will hope his song will put a spring in the step of his teammates.

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IPL 2017: MS Dhoni Dancing To RPS Tunes

#IPL #IPL2017

#IndianPremierLeague

#MSDhoni appears to be enjoying spending time with teammates in the first few days of the 2017 Indian Premier League (#IPL) season. The former India captain, known as #CaptainCool because of his temperament and ability to come through #Pressure situations unscathed, often updates fans about his personal life through his #Social media accounts.

He uploaded a short #Video on his #Instagram profile on Monday to let his #Fans know that everything was upbeat in the Rising Pune Supergiants (#RPS) camp, despite a shaky start to their season.

The video has Dhoni #Dancing alongside teammate #AjinkyaRahane with the IPL's highest paid foreign player #BenStokes watching in the background. 

The Pune franchise has had a mixed start to their season, winning their opening match against #MI by seven wickets and then losing to #KXIP by six wickets and #DD by a whopping 97 runs!

"#RPSvMI Smith proves who's the king of the jungle. Overshadows Dhoni totally. #Captains innings. Great move to appoint him as captain," Harsh Goenka had tweeted during the #RPS opening match against #MumbaiIndians on April 6.

After receiving severe criticism from Dhoni's supporters on #Twitter, Harsh deleted the tweet.

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IPL 2017: RPS Skipper Steve Smith Will Not Take Tips From MS Dhoni

#IPL #IPL 10 #IPL 2017

#IndianPremierLeague

#Australia #Skipper #SteveSmith may have just ended a draining Test series against #India, finishing on the losing side, but he won't brook any unsolicited advice as he begins his #Leadership role with #IPL side Rising Pune Supergiants (#RPS)

Steve Smith was a slightly #Controversial appointment to lead the new #Franchise in place of #MSDhoni, the former India skipper who has only played as captain in the previous nine IPL #Editions.

RPS team owner, Sanjiv Goenka, said on Thursday at a team #News #Conference that the change was 'amicable', having earlier explained that the change was made in the best interests of a #Team that had finished seventh out of eight teams on its debut last year.

Asked about the switch to IPL and playing with three other captains, Steve Smith first said he looked forward to interacting with the different leaders. "Centrally, it will make my job easier. The #IPL will be beneficial to me. There are a lot of international #Players and I will get to share the #DressingRoom with them. I will know what people from different parts of the world are thinking," Smith said.

However, when pressed about whether he would welcome constant inputs from the seniors -- #AjinkyaRahane and England all-rounder #BenStokes were also in the podium -- he was categorical.

"There are plenty of guys to talk to, but it is important not to have too many opinions. If opinions are coming from left, right and centre, it can cloud your judgement," Smith said. "I'll try to stay as clear as possible, but it can be difficult sometimes if there are too many opinions."

#MSDhoni had played in the IPL only as #Captain for nine years before he was replaced by RPS owner, Sanjiv Goenka. Smith will have plenty of captaincy challenges as India's match-winning bowler, #RavichandranAshwin, is also part of the team.

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Ind v Eng-ODI Series-Yuvraj's Sublime 150, Dhoni's Masterly 134 And Morgan's Superb 102

#INDvENG #ODI Series 2017

2nd ODI, #Cuttack

It was a day of centuries at the #Barabati #Stadium in #Cuttack, the venue for 2nd ODI between #India and #England. Trailing 0-1, English captain #EoinMorgan chose to chase on this super flat deck and also assuming that dew in evening would support their batsmen when chasing the total.

Early breakthroughs for #ChrisWoakes, including the prized scalp of talisman #VirakKohli put India on the backfoot early. Woakes snared Rahul, Virat and Dhavan in quick succession to send India reeling at 25 for 3.

In walked #MSDhoni to join #YuvrajSingh. It needed a partnership to not just bail India out of trouble but set a score where they could challenge the English batters. As it turned out, a dream partnership of sublime timing (Yuvraj - 150) and masterly timed innings (Dhoni - 134*) to guide India. They put on a stunning 256 run partnership (5th highest for any wicket in #ODIs). Both scoring majestic centuries in the bargain. By the time Yuvraj left, they had set up a great platform for the young bashers in Jadhav and Pandya to take centrestage.

With the insurance of Dhoni at the other end both didnt disappoint. Jadhav and Pandya slogged their way to get India to a massive 381 for 8 in 50 overs. MS remained unbeaten on 134.

The chase needed a similar response from English batsmen. However, #AlexHales nicked one Dhoni to get England to a worst possible start. Mr. Dependable #JoeRoot then joined #JasonRoy and both decided to take the attack to the Indians. Together they strung a century partnership.

Just when things began to look brighter , a change of bowling worked for Kohli.

#RAshwin,  after a poor game in Pune, bounced back to get Root. His flight and the wicket did him in. He lofted one straight to midwicket where skipper Kohli completed his catch.

#Morgan then stepped in and started accumulating runs. #JasonRoy kept smashing at the other end and propelled the innings with a wonderful 83 before he was castled by #Jaddu, #Moeen made a quickfire 50 and at 203 for 4 in 30 overs, the target seemed achievable. It was 20-20 scenario.

A couple of quick blows though set England back. Ashwin foxed dangerous #BenStokes and then tricked #JosButtler in quick succession to put pressure on England. #Morgan continued his fine strokeplay though and kept the asking rate within grasp. At 349 for 7, needing 33 in 18 balls, the game looked even and slightly tilted towards England since Morgan was in superb touch. 

Then tragedy struck. Bumrah's yorker was somehow dug by Plunkett but straight back to him. By that time, Morgan had followed up too long and way out of his crease. Bumrah ran him out comfortably to release a lot of tension in the India camp. The final couple of overs saw England fizzle out and ended 15 runs short of the target. What a pity! They were in it for most of the game and it would have been an all time classic run-chase if they had pulled this off!

India win the series 2-0 and the third one dayer will be played in #Kolkata on 22nd Jan 2017.

Man of the Match: Yuvraj Singh

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Ind v NEw Zealand ODI Series: Virat Masterclass Sinks Kiwis

#IndvNZ #ODI Series 2016
#Mohali, #Punjab

India Beat New Zealand by 7 Wickets in the 3rd #ODI #Match to take a 2-1 lead in the 5 match series.

Powered by #JimmyNeessham's super hitting in the final overs to sail New Zealand from a precarious 199 for 8 to 285 all out in 49.4 overs, the #Kiwis fancied their chances bowling under lights on a lively Mohali pitch.

They snuffed #AjinkyaRahane and #RohitSharma cheaply as well leaving India struggling at 52 for 2. In walked #Skipper #MSDhoni to join #ViratKohli. Slowly and steadily they began to maneuver the ship in direction safety. The no. 4 slot seems perfect for #MS since he can stablize and take the bowlers to the cleaners in the latter part of the #Innings. he did exactly that and added a valuable 150 partnership with Virat before being dismissed softly off Henry for a well made 80.

Virat on the other hand is increasing his #Chase reputation by the day. Cant remember India failing to chase a score when he has scored above 50. He is the bankable star for India in #Runchases and he did just that smashing his 26th ODI #Ton. A true masterclass to steer India to victory by 7 wickets.

All in all, a clinical victory for India as they head into the 4th ODI attempting to wrap the series.
The #BlackCaps need to find in all their reserves and assist their #Captain #KaneWilliamson salvage something from this horror tour for them.

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IPL 2016 - Dhoni Proves He Is Still Force To Reckon With vs KXIP

#IPL2016
#RisingPuneSupergiants vs #KXIP
21st May 2016, Vizag

Billed as the "Battle for the Bottom Of Table" clash, this was an inconsequential rubber between two sides that struggled throughout the season (especially KXIP who couldn't raise the bar when needed while RPS couldn't deliver knockout punches in those closing moments).

#MuraliVijay has done wonders for his own form since promotion to captaincy (at the expense of David Miller) halfway through the season. He is playing like a dream and continued his brilliant run with yet another fluent half century. With the classy #Amla for company he gave #KXIP a great start adding 60 in 7 overs before Amla fell.

After #Saha fell cheaply, he got together with #Gurkeerat to push their team with another 58 run stand. Unfortunately, he was bowled by #RAshwin and that put brakes on their scoring too. A flurry of wickets for Ashwin (his best bowling performance after a long, long time and his poor form has led to RPS failing to qualify for the Qualifiers/Eliminator) meant the score read 172 for 7 in 20 overs. 15 runs short.

However, as they always say "Runs On the Board" always plays a vital role in crunch games when pressure is on. #Rahane and #Khawaja started well but #Sandeep snapped Rahane while #AxarPatel foxed #Bailey to pull things back. #SaurabhTiwary and Khawaja smashed a few but 3 wickets in 2 overs for addition of just 8 runs pushed Pune completely on the backfoot. From 78 for 2 they slumped to 85 for 5 in a blink of an eye.

Situation perfectly positioned for the "Greatest Finisher Of All Time" - #MSDhoni. He first steadied the landslide with #ThisaraPerera to get the game within his striking zone. His usual tactic of taking the game deep and building up pressure on the other side.

The equation 2 overs - 30 runs to win. Steep but right in the MS Zone...

The make things worse, Perera was out first ball of the 19th over caught behind off Mohit. A big blow since Perera;s lusty hits were crucial for RPS cause. R Ashwin joined him. Again he steadied himself that over with just 7 runs taking the game to the last over. Last overs are MS Dynasty.

Still 23 from 6 was a bit too much for Dhoni, who has not been in great form off-late in close matches.

Ball 1 - DOT BALL - Gold dust! Axar fires this one into #Dhoni who mistimes it mid-wicket.

Ball 2 - WIDE ... Pressure of bowling to #Dhoni!! Axar fires this down leg and Saha does well to gather that wide.

Ball 2 - CRASSSSH .... SIX over long on. #MS powers this with brute force.

Ball 3 - CRACK ... BUT WHAT A SAVE !!! ... Dhoni smashes this over cover and wants to enjoy that boundary. In flies superman #Amla and makes an unbelievable stop on the boundary. Big chance to snap two missed by Dhoni. Is this the moment?

Ball 4 - VHOOM .... Dhoni corrects his shot making line and smashes this one  over long off for a one bounce boundary. Well done. #Axar under tremendous pressure now to defend 12 from 2 balls.

Ball 5- SMASSSSH - Cows corner is beckoning and MS pulverizes that short delivery to deep midwicket. What calmness and power under pressure! #Axar the opposite - cringy and sweaty.

6  needed to win. 4 wont do. Has to be the maximum.

Ball 6 - HELICOPTER SHOT ! - Flicks this one in his inimitable style over mid-wicket once again! Better delivery from #Axar but #Dhoni is right upto it, clears his front leg and launches this one to finish an incredible game in the coolest way possible.

No expressions of joy on his face. Usual self. Coolly walks to his partner Ashwin and hugs him. No bellowing, hand gestures, angry face or relief. That's #CaptainCool #MSDhoni for you.

KXIP shouldn't be disappointed. They ran into the Finishing Machine who just turned it on tonight.

RPS ending their campaign in 7th place, KXIP in 8th on the points table. Both teams eliminated from the championship. But, owing to Dhoni ... RPS won the battle of honour.

Man of the Match: M S Dhoni

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WT20 - Hunt for Fourth Semifinalist - Ind v Aus

#Ind v #Aus
#WT20, Group 2 Match
#Mohali

New Zealand, West Indies, England - 3 semi final spots booked.
Fourth spot = ??? India or Australia?

Its all come down to this last game in Group 2 to decide who would take that fourth spot in #WT20 2016. The script couldn't have been better. Expect another cracker of a game between these two fierce opponents (almost like two bulls locking horns to show who's the boss?) whose cricketing rivalry has reached unparalleled levels over the last few years in the limited over formats.

On paper, India will have the upper hand in this game.
India is currently ranked #1 in T20, Australia are at #6.
Playing at home will give India an immense advantage with the pitch, conditions, crowds. Their spinners' strength will test out the fragile-to-spin Australian batting.

But, you count out Australia at your own peril.
Their batting is exemplary in most conditions and having played #IPL most of their players are fairly adapted to these Indian conditions. (by the way ... IPL starts a week after this #WT20 so fasten your seat belts for that one too!)

Their bowlers, though inexperienced, always show true Aussie grit and aggression when bowling against any side or situation. Their fielding is world class and way ahead of their Indian counterparts.

Will it be a pure cricketing skill contest when they meet today? 
Not sure ... both teams have had a history of going at each other verbally on the field and therefore expect a #Sledgefest at Mohali. One thing is for sure, Ind v Aus games are not for the faint hearted or purists. They are more like a brawl... and that's what we can expect today.

May the best team win. I dare predict that winner of this match will eventually go and claim the #WT20 trophy as well!

India strengths: MS Dhoni's superlative brain and cool in tight situations, Virat Kohli's superlative form, Ashwin and Jadeja's spin exploits, Bumrah's death bowling.

India weaknesses: Fragile top order - none of Rohit, Dhawan or Raina have got going, Even more fragile middle order after Kohli - Yuvraj, Dhoni, Pandya and Jadeja haven't been too consistent to invoke confidence, Fifth bowler options look limited.

Australia strengths: Top order looks solid - Khawaja's form, Finch's reliability and Warner's destructive nature, Firepower down the line - Big Show Maxwell, Watson and Faulkner can provide fireworks towards end of their innings, Steady bowling attack

Australia weaknesses: Fragile against spin in this conditions, no batsman has runaway with games on his own - its been fits and starts, inexperienced spinners and seamers in a huge crunch match will need a lot nerves and mental strength.  

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WT20 Blockbuster - India vs Pakistan At Eden Gardens

The Blockbuster!!
‪#‎India‬ v ‪#‎Pakistan‬ from Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 19th Mar 2016

India enter this must-win game under tremendous pressure of their poor outing against New Zealand few days ago. They have to win to hope for any chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Interestingly, they have never beaten Pakistan in a One- Day game at Kolkata. That makes it even more challenging for them.

The batting that was looking very settled showed their weaknesses against spin and temperament when chasing down a smallish total and inexperienced spin attack of NZ.

Pakistan on the other hand look upbeat after their solid all-round victory against Bangladesh at this venue. They will also have advantage of knowing these conditions better than India, having already played here.

On recent form and head to head comparison, India does look the better side and their record over Pakistan in last few years has been better, but they are under the weather of a MUST-WIN game, against Pak, at Kolkata in a ‪#‎WT20‬ game! Wow!!

Virat Kohli holds key for India in a run chase while Rohit and Dhawan need to fire at the top if India are batting first. MS Dhoni is the all seasons man but needs able support from Raina, Yuvraj and Jadeja to anchor around him in tense situations.

Pakistan's bowling, their biggest strength, had a good outing in Kolkata. Mohamad Amir is by far the best pacer on view in this tournament so far and he will hold key for them upfront. Wahab Riaz, Irfan and Sami will need to support him well.

All in all, a mouth-watering prospect for spectators.

Can imagine the buzz around the Eden Gardens tomorrow.

Can't wait for the game to begin!

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MI Are New IPL Champs - Decimate CSK To Lift The Cup

#CSK vs #MI
#IPLFinal
#EdenGardens #Kolkata
24th May 2015

In an amazing display of determination and courage throughout the season, #MI completed a fairytale ending to this year's IPL season defeating a lacklustre #CSK by 41 runs to lift the cup for a second time.

Asked to bat first (first of the multiple blunders committed by CSK), they put on a strong 202 for 5 in 20 overs thanks to a stunning blitzkrieg by Lendl Simmons, Rohit Sharma. Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu played the end game to perfection to smash the hapless and hopeless CSK bowling all over the park. At one stage they even looked to get 220-230 but were pulled back a bit.

Chasing this massive score, the one team that had potential to do it was CSK with their batting lineup. But, it looked as if they had surrendered already and their batsman crawled in the initial overs. That was remarkable batting to play steadily when chasing that big a target. No one stood counted and they capitulated to 161 for 8 in 20 overs.

Big celebrations for Mumbai and they will come next year to defend their crown.
For CSK, this was their 6th final. They have won it twice as well but this was abject surrender to some really disciplined and determined Mumbai heroes.

#LIVE #SCORE
MI - 202 for 5
CSK - 161 for 8

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CSK vs MI - Who Will Win IPL Final

#CSK vs #MI
#IPLFinal
#EdenGardens #Kolkata
24th May 2015

After 6 weeks of absolute "dhamaal (fun)" on the field and some scorching cricketing action, its all come down to this day! The day of the #IPL Final...

Two teams, certainly not at their best, have made it there (owing to some poor performances from other teams) and will vie for the coveted trophy at the #Eden #Gardens in #Kolkata tonight.

On the one hand, "Team Consistent" #CSK will be gunning for a hat trick of trophies (they won in 2010, 2011 and finished runner-up in 3 other finals) while on the other #MI will be looking to emulate their 2013 success (they had won defeating CSK)

On a head to head comparison, there is pretty much nothing to choose.
Games played between the two teams: 21
MI Wins - 11, CSK Wins - 10
Its that close...

And while MI have been at best mercurial and topsy-turvy in this tournament, they have gained momentum at the perfect moment to go all the way. What also goes in their favour is they are the only side to trouble and lead CSK on head-to-head contest wins. Something brings out the best in them against the most balanced and consistent team of IPL over 8 seasons!

Having said that, do not discount #WhistlePodu boys. They have been there, done that on many occasions and can change gear very quickly. Skipper #Dhoni has had a silent IPL and these moments brings out the best in him. If that happens, he can turn games around from any situation and inspire his boys to do the same. Such is his aura and capability.

Man to Man comparison is a very interesting read as well

1. Lendl Simmons/Parthiv Patel  vs Mike Hussey/Dwayne Smith
MI hold the edge here. Their opening pair has been instrumental in getting MI to the finals with some amazing consistent performances off-late. Steady starts to lay foundation for the big boys down the order has been MI's recipe for success. Don't discount Hussey and Smith though. Hussey's super innings against RCB in Qualifier2 was a lesson for youngsters. In McCullum's big absence, Smith can "tee-off" from ball 1 as well.

2. Rohit Sharma vs Faf Du Plessis
Evenly matched on form. Rohit more classical but Faf more all round with his fielding abilities.

3. Kieron Pollard vs Suresh Raina
Again, MI hold the edge here on form and all round ability. Raina hasn't played a blinder of a knock this season .. just yet. Could it be his day. If it is, MI will suffer badly.

4. Ambati Rayudu vs MS Dhoni
Surprise, surprise ... MI slightly ahead here too. Rayudu has finished games, MS hasn't but we all know what he can do? and this is his business end. He gets dangerously professional here.

5. Hardik Pandya vs Pavan Negi
Two terrific youngsters vying for the best new comer award, looking to outdo the other. Both have played match winning knocks. Can they withstand pressure of a #IPL Final?

6. Jagdeesh Suchith vs Dwayne Bravo
The calyso guru is at the height of his game. Bravo edges out the youngster by some distance.

7. Vinay Kumar vs Mohit Sharma
Both have struggled really and need to pull up a gear

8. Harbhajan Singh vs Ravi Ashwin
This is going one heck of a contest! Both are in sublime form. Bhajji is the eternal effervescent himself and Ashwin the disciplined tactician. Wow.. this is definitely a contest within a contest

9. Mitch McClaneghan/ Lasith Malinga vs Ashish Nehra/Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja is the odd one out in this comparison but he seems to be the "odd" one out in the CSK outfit too. Woefully out of form, he has been a liability for that team. The other three have been in super form off late. Malinga has caught up well after a poor start but Nehra and McClenaghan (since he was brought in half way through the tournament) have been good right through.  

Its that close with MI holding slight edge on form and momentum.
Its all to play for today. May the best team win. All the best

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Harbhajan Double Strike Puts Mumbai Firmly Ahead

#CSK vs #MI
#Qualifier 1 
#Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
19th May 2015

#MI slightly ahead of the game after the first strategic timeout in CSK innings.

A horror lbw decision against #DwayneSmith by umpire Illingworth in the first over, set them on the backfoot rightaway. The aging #MikeHussey was unable to push things through really fast and eventually was caught behind off #VinayKumar. 

#FafduPlessis and #SureshRainia have stepped up the gas, especially Plessis to infuse life in this CSK innings. 

But, Harbhajan's 11th over of the innings turned things on its head.
He had #SureshRaina caught and bowled off the second ball. Big wicket.
The bigger wicket awaited next delivery when he trapped #MSDhoni plumb in front. The celebrations from the MI team and crowd were amazing.

He almost had DwayneBravo on the last ball of the same over but he missed a simple caught and bowled chance. However, this over has put MI firmly ahead in this game and the IPL final beckons!

#LIVE #SCORE
MI - 187
CSK - 95 for 4 in 12 overs

Game ON>>>

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Pollard Cameo Helps MI Set 189 Target For CSK

#CSK vs #MI
#Qualifier 1 
#Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
19th May 2015

A stunning 17 ball 41 by #KieronPollard has helped #MI set a formidable target of 188 against #CSK. After 17 overs, CSK had pulled back the MI innings wonderfully through #Bravo and #Nehra.

But the last three overs belonged to Pollard.
He ripped into the CSK seamers - Bravo and Mohit to leapfrog their total to 188.
46 runs came off the last 3 overs.

Over 18 - 15 runs
Over 19 - 15 runs
Over 20 - 16 runs.

Massive damage done.
A couple of iffy decisions on wides cost CSK a bit, though.
MS Dhoni seemed disappointed and talked to umpire Dharmasena about it.

So, how does this pan out now?
188 in 20 overs. Can CSK pull this off? or will MI restrict them?
Game on... 

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CSK Claw Back Through Bravo and Nehra

#CSK vs #MI
#Qualifier 1 
#Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
19th May 2015

Looking straight down the barrel (staring at chasing 200), #CSK have clawed back brilliantly through #Bravo and #Nehra.

Overs 16 and 17 have been game changers for CSK.
Just 8 runs came off these two overs and two key wickets lost.
#RohitSharma and Hardik Pandya both fell trying to hit long shots, pegging MI back.

MI's hopes to reach 200 now rest on #Pollard and #Rayudu.
3 overs to go. Game on...

#LIVE #SCORE
MI - 156 for 4, 18 overs 

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First TimeOut - MI 48 For No Loss In 6 Overs

#CSK vs #MI
#Qualifier 1 
#Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
19th May 2015

First #Strategic #Timeout of the game.
#MI started cautiously in the first 4 overs.
#Nehra and #Ashwin troubled them with swing and spin.
But, they've covered up brilliantly in the next 2 overs
#Simmons and #Parthiv have opened up and smashed Ashwin and Nehra for 14 runs each to even things out.

The battle looking exciting already.

Dhoni has utilized 3 overs each from his top 2 bowlers.
So, its going to be interesting how he's going to go from here?

For MI, they need to carry on the momentum..

#LIVE #SCORE
MI - 48 for 0 in 6 overs

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Toss Time - MI Win Toss, Elect To Bat

#CSK vs #MI
#Qualifier 1 
#Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
19th May 2015

We're close to start of Qualifier 1.
Its toss time.
#MSDhoni and #RohitSharma in the centre.
Coin tossed ... and it comes a tail, correctly called by Rohit.

MI have won the toss and elected to bat first.
Massive game this and batting first would be a huge advantage with pressure all around.

Is it going to be the first opportunity or a last min dash performance that would decide the fate of this game? Amazing crowd, great atmosphere and big clash. What else can you ask for.

Let the battle explode.
The big #IPL final is calling....

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Clinical CSK Vs Mercurial MI - Qualifier 1 - Stakes Are High

This is it .. after grueling six weeks of non stop action, drama and amazing performance .. it has come down to the top 4 teams making the playoffs at #IPL - Indian Premier League​. Cant get better and bigger than this!

Qualifier 1 - #MSDhoni​ led table-toppers Chennai Super Kings​, the indomitable force in all seasons of the IPL will take on the mercurial and in-form Mumbai Indians​ led by #RohitSharma​ at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today. Promises to be a cracker of a game. Remember, winner goes straight to the #IPL final - a massive incentive to win. The loser gets another crack by playing qualifier 2. That's a bonus too!

Team #MI - will be selected from below
Rohit Sharma
Corey Anderson
AC Blizzard
Jaspreet Bumrah, 
Unmukt Chand, 
M de Lange, 
S Gopal, 
Alex Hales, 
Harbhajan Singh, 
Ben Hilfenhaus, 
SD Lad, 
Mitchell McClenaghan, 
Lasith Malinga, 
Abhimanyu Mithun, 
C Munro, 
Pragyan Ojha, 
Harsh Pandya, 
Parthiv Patel, 
Kieron Pollard, 
Navin Rana, 
Ambati Rayudu
Lendl Simmons, 
J Suchith, 
P Suyal, 
Aditya Tare, 
Vinay Kumar, 
AA Wakhare

Team #CSK  - will be selected from below
MS Dhoni,
Kyle Abbott,
Baba Aparajith,
Ravichandran Ashwin, 
Shrinivas Badree, 
AK Bains, 
Dwayne Bravo, 
Faf du Plessis, 
ER Dwivedi, 
Mike Henry, 
Mike Hussey, 
Ravindra Jadeja, 
Brendon McCullum, 
Mithun Manhas, 
RG More, 
Pawan Negi, 
Ashish Nehra, 
Ishwar Pandey, 
Irfan Pathan, 
Pratyush Singh, 
Suresh Raina, 
Mohit Sharma, 
R Sharma, 
Dwayne Smith, 
AJ Tye

Both teams look solid both with the bat and ball.
CSK looks stronger with the bat slightly whereas Mumbai look a shade better on the bowling front.

MS' boys can turn around games on their sheer relentlessness while Rohit can inspire his MI team to produce an incredible batting or bowling innings. Thats how it is pioised? 

So, who will win? who will prevail? who can handle pressure better?
The clinical #CSK or the red-hot #MI? Time will tell.
May the best team win!

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Why Is MS Dhoni Getting Bowled?

Whats happening to #CSK captain and "cool" #MSD?
He seems to have developed a habit of getting bowled at this IPL.

In the last two games he has been out bowled to fairly innocuous deliveries from opponent bowlers.

In the first instance, he was bowled right through the gate by a Piyush Chawla (of #KKR) delivery that googled a bit and took his middle stump. Agreed that the ball seemed to stay a bit low but never seen MS getting out in this manner.

In the following game against #SRH, a rookie Ashish Reddy sneaked in a straighter one yet again to dislodge Dhonis stumps. This time, too, he was trying to push the delivery to on side and completely missed it. 

Although its just two games and cannot look too much into it, MS has rarely been bowled playing nothing shots like these. Is something bothering him? His personal form at the moment isn't great too. He hasn't won a game for this team single handedly so far. Perhaps, a game like that could just ignite him? 

Inspite of his poor form, CSK still sitting pretty at #2 on the points table. 
Just goes to show, its not about the MS show with this team. Others are standing up brilliantly to guide their team home on most occasions.

As with MS, we're looking for that super cameo (that we've related to him all these years) in coming games!

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Why Are CSK So Good In "Fair Play" Standings?

The "Fair Play Award" is a wonderful concept brought in by #IPL.

The system ranks teams based on spirit of game demonstrated by teams, no or less verbal aggression, considerations on injuries of opponent teams, good over rates to finish innings, well mannered behavior on-off the field and respect earned from umpires, opposing teams and crowd. The team that scores most on this system wins the fair play award.

Over the last 7 seasons, it has been observed that one team has consistently performed magnificently on this system. Yes, that team is Chennai Super Kings or #CSK and a lot of its credit must go the "cult figure" #MSDhoni. The question is why?

For starters, MSD leading this team just gives it stability. His ability to pick the right players. nurture them into match winners and lead by example are top most qualities that make teams champions both in terms of wins on the field and off it.

He commands respect and can order his troops to behave if he senses problems. He gets them to focus on performance with bat-bowl rather than out-n-out gamesmanship. As a result, not only do they play fair but their record in the match points table is outstanding too. Twice winners, twice runners up and multiple time semi finalists. This team has got its priorities right. They go out to win games on their cricket skills not anything else. Hence they don't need to supplement their performance by antics and gimmicks that bring umpire wrath and negative points on the fair play system.

Another important aspect could be - MS being India captain - teams from other players automatically tone down themselves against CSK? (you don't want to peeve off the Indian captain if you are looking to play for India?)

Guess, the success mantra for CSK is "lets play cricket ...." and that leads them to do well on the ground and off it. Well done CSK! Other teams please take a cue!

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