Lasith Malinga returned with a five—wicket haul but Chennai Super Kings still went on to post a challenging 173 for eight against Mumbai Indians in an inconsequential Group B match of the Champions League Twenty20 here on Saturday.
Even before the first ball was bowled, the match was rendered a deadrubber after Lions notched up a five—wicket victory over Yorkshire today to become the second team from Group B to reach the semifinals, thus knocking out both Chennai and Mumbai Indians.
However, CSK openers du Plessis (52) and Murali Vijay (39) lifted the spirit of the spectators who had thronged the New Wanderers stadium as they notched up an entertaining 86—run opening stand in just 49 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes.
The opening duo laid the foundation for a big score but Malinga spoiled their party as he notched up a five—wicket haul in his four overs.
The Sri Lankan pacer dismissed du Plessis, Suresh Raina (8), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (35), Albie Morkel (0) and Wriddiman Saha (5) to break the backbone of their innings.
Pragyan Ojha brought the first break through when he cleaned up Vijay after the Tamil Nadu batsman danced down the pitch in pursuit of another big hit.
But Malinga struck twice in two balls, removing du Plessis and Raina to reduce them to 101 for three in 10.5 overs.
Dhoni (35), who survived a run—out chance early in his innings, provided a much—needed spark with an entertaining 19—ball 35, laced with three fours and two sixes, before becoming a victim of Malinga.
Once the captain was back in the pavillion, rest of the batsmen tried to accelarate and even though they perished in regular intervals, they did enough to help Chennai put up a challenging score on board.
