Mumbai maintained their domination over Chennai with a crushing 46-run win at Chepauk in match number 44 of the Indian T20 CricketLeague on Friday. Batting first, Rohit Sharma's first half-century of the season guided Mumbai to 155 for 4. In response, MS Dhoni-less Chennai folded up for 109 in under 18 overs.
Mumbai went into the match with 6 wins and four losses and needed another win to secure their position as the play-offs approach. They did exactly that with a thoroughly professional performance. Speaking at the post-match presentation, skipper Rohit said it was good to lose the toss.
"It was better to lose the toss, we were going to chase as well. We knew whether we bat or bowl first, we still had to play good cricket. We can't control the toss. It was a great effort from the boys. Coming out here and playing here is never easy. We had to scrape every run and every wicket. We were right there in the game," the Mumbai skipper said.
Rohit also admitted that Dhoni's absence was a big plus for the team. "It's a massive boost to any opposition if he's not around. His presence does a lot for their team. When you don't have him when you're chasing, it becomes slightly difficult. They must have felt his absence. He was sick, uncontrollable," Rohit went on to say.
Mumbai Indians now have 14 points and have climbed to the second spot in the points table. However, the Mumbai opener the team is not going to relax for the remaining games.
"We have to be at it. Next three - two against Kolkata and one against Hydarabad. As a team when we go forward, we are clear what to do. We want more good days than bad days. We have learnt from our losses," added the skipper.
Mumbai will now have Kolkata at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
--By A Cricket Correspondent