Pathirana, Dhoni trump Rohit's ton as CSK defeat MI

Mumbai: Matheesha Pathirana and an ageless MS Dhoni delivered decisive blows as Chennai Super Kings outgunned Mumbai Indians by 20 runs despite Rohit Sharma making a resolute unbeaten 105 in their Indian Premier League match here 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.

CSK, on the other hand, rose to the third with eight points in their kitty. In a game wherein the loudest cheers were reserved for Dhoni, Mumbai skipper Pandya continued to get booed intermittently.

Once again, Rohit set the platform for Mumbai with a sturdy 70-run stand in seven overs with Ishan Kishan, who raced to 23 off 15 balls (3x4s, 1x6s).

With MI on charge, pacer Pathirana produced a twowicket over after the powerplay accounting for Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav (0). Rohit remained stuck at the other end watching the game slip away despite his best effort.

Earlier Dhoni's ballistic 20 garnished forceful fifties by Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad as the Super Kings posted 206 for four.

The former CSK skipper hammered three consecutive sixes off MI skipper Pandya (2/43) to help his side collect 26 runs off the final over. Even though he could not push beyond 69, which came off 40 balls with five sixes and as many boundaries, Gaikwad appeared in prime form.

The CSK skipper hit through the line effortlessly to clear ropes and when the MI bowlers challenged him by angling their deliveries into his body, Gaikwad improvised to find his runs without taking any unwanted risks. (PTI)