IPL 2024: Why Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meet only once in the group stage?

Following their win, Chennai Super Kings find themselves positioned third in the IPL 2024 points table

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Image Credits: Twitter)
By Omar | Apr 15, 2024 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

In a riveting clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai Indians faced off against the Chennai Super Kings, marking their sole league encounter for the IPL 2024 season. Despite a fierce battle on the pitch, it was Chennai who emerged victorious, clinching a thrilling 20-run win that left spectators on the edge of their seats. The scheduling that saw Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings facing each other only once in IPL 2024 can be attributed to the league’s format. With teams divided into different groups, each team is slated to play eight matches within their respective groups, both home and away against the other four sides. Additionally, teams engage in four matches against franchises from the opposing group, either at home or away. This meticulous allocation of matches ensures a balanced and competitive league stage, with match-ups determined through a random draw.

The MI vs CSK game witnessed a display of exemplary batting prowess from both sides. Mumbai, chasing a challenging target of 207 runs, fell short, reaching 186/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Notably, Rohit Sharma, the former captain of Mumbai Indians, showcased his batting brilliance with an unbeaten century, crafting a remarkable knock of 105* runs off just 63 deliveries. However, even Sharma’s heroics weren’t enough to secure victory for Mumbai as Chennai’s bowling sensation, Matheesha Pathirana, wreaked havoc, claiming four crucial wickets.

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In the first innings, Chennai Super Kings set the stage on fire with an impressive total of 206/4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of brilliant half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad (69) and Shivam Dube (66*). Mumbai’s bowling efforts, led by Hardik Pandya, managed to halt Chennai’s onslaught to some extent, with Pandya snaring two key wickets.

The fixture also carried sentimental weight as it potentially marked MS Dhoni’s final IPL appearance at the Wankhede Stadium, sparking speculation about his future in the league. Dhoni, in typical fashion, left a lasting impact on the game, particularly with his explosive batting display in the final over of the first innings, where he smashed Hardik Pandya for a sensational hat-trick of sixes and a double.

Following their electrifying win, Chennai Super Kings find themselves positioned third in the IPL 2024 points table, boasting eight points from three games. However, they trail behind the league leaders Rajasthan Royals, who have accumulated 10 points, and the second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders, with eight points. Meanwhile, other teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans are closely competing for favorable standings in the tournament, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.

Also Read:

  1. IPL 2024 Auction: Shahrukh Khan secures Rs 7.4 crore deal with Gujarat Titans
  2. Chennai Super Kings secure Daryl Mitchell for record-breaking Rs 14 Crore in IPL 2024 auction
  3. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel omitted from contracts despite Test brilliance




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