Mumbai Indians start as favorites against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2020 opener at Shiek Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Head to Head: Both sides have gone up against each other on 28 occasions, of which defending champions Mumbai Indians have won 17 as compared to CSK’s 11 wins.
Toss: CSK to win toss and will elect to bat.
Predictions: Mumbai Indians usually start the season slow and this looks a slow and low pitch. CSK have more potential spinners which can benefit them.
CSK did well to limit MI to 162. Got timely wickets of Tiwari & Hardik, restricted Pollard and in the end restricted MI to chasable score.
But they also seem to have started the case very slowly, Considering limited hitting power at their disposal, MI can make a game out of this. I am writing this at 10 overs.
The paterneship between Ambati Rayudu and Faf Dupllesi was the gamecharger. Rayudu showed he has the capability to be a reliable No.4 for team India. It was a good start for the tournament for the Lions.
Mumbai had an unbeaten 5 match streak against CSK but MS Dhoni and his masterstroke tactics in Abu Dhabi has ended the draught. Mumbai also have a jinx in losing the opening matches. They have now lost 8 season openers. But as I mentioned earlier, they are slow starters.
Mumbai Indians had very bright starts to both innings but it was CSK who came back strongly in both and eventually ended with the win. CSK were 6/2 after the 2nd over in their chase of 163, but a partnership between Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis took them towards victory, before some cameos from Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran helped them see out the win.