IPL History: Three memorable nail-biting encounters between MI and CSK

#1 CSK’s epic comeback for the ages

Jadhav's one-legged innings scripted a terrific comeback for CSK (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com)

After a two-year exile from the tournament, CSK made their much-awaited comeback in the opening match of IPL 2018 by clashing against their nemesis, Mumbai Indians. MS Dhoni, the forever skipper of CSK, won the toss and decided to bowl first.

CSK were off to a dream start as they dismissed the Mumbai Openers, Rohit Sharma and Evin Lewis cheaply. However, contributions from Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Pandya brothers helped MI to post an average target of 166.

In reply, CSK batting line-up collapsed miserably as Hardik Pandya, and debutant Mayank Markande grabbed three wickets each. At the end of 17th over, 47 runs were required from 18 balls with CSK reeling at 119/8. With Kedar Jadhav retired hurt in the middle of the innings, Dwayne Bravo was the only hope for the Men in Yellow.

In a bizarre turn-around of things, MI conceded 40 runs in the next two overs with Bravo scoring 39 of them before losing his wicket at the last ball of the 19th over. As a result, the equation for CSK was reduced to seven runs from six balls with only one wicket remaining. Jadhav, who tore his hamstring earlier returned to face the final over of the match.

Mustafizur Rahman bowled three consecutive dots to Jadhav. Since Jadhav was unable to run, he had no options other than to smash boundaries. Predicting the repeated line and lengths of Fizz, Jadhav premeditated his scoop and lifted the ball over the head of the fielder at short fine leg for a six. With the scores level, Jadhav smashed the next ball through cover for four to seal the match for CSK.