The ‘El-Classico' of IPL, the MI-CSK rivalry is often the most fascinating contest in an IPL season. Two of the most successful IPL teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have played out some of the most riveting contests in the IPL history. Both the IPL camps fancy huge support with their loyal fans getting behind their teams on every occasion. MI vs CSK is always one of the most talked-about matches every IPL season.
The initial seeds of the Mumbai Indians vs CSK IPL rivalry were sown in the IPL final in 2010. Ever since the final in 2010, the MI-CSK rivalry has acquired much hype, especially among the fans from both sides. In four IPL seasons, MI and CSK have gone on to play the IPL Final with Mumbai Indians claiming the title on three occasions while CSK winning it once in 2010.
Before we further re-live the greatest MI vs CSK IPL contests, here's a look at head to head stats between the two IPL forces:
Mumbai Indians vs CSK Head to Head IPL Stats | CSK vs MI Head to Head Stats and Records
Matches Played: 28
MI won: 11
CSK won: 17
Highest IPL score: 208/5 by CSK in IPL 2008
Most Runs: Suresh Raina (730 runs)
Most Wickets: Lasith Malinga (37 wickets)
Here's a look at 5 greatest matches between Mumbai and Chennai in the IPL history:
Contents
1. IPL 2019 final: Mumbai won by 1 run
It was an epic clash in 2019 IPL final when Mumbai Indians narrowly emerged victorious by a slender margin of 1 run. It was a topsy-turvy ride until the last delivery of the final before Mi clinched victory, adding yet another chapter to the MI-CSK rivalry. Chasing 150 to win, CSK began well in the powerplay before MI's brilliance in the bowling attack came to the fore.
Despite Shane Watson holding one end, the yellow army lost wickets in a heap, leaving too much to be done in the final few overs. For Mumbai, Jasprit Bumrah, the Man of the Match in the IPL final, proved his class with bowling figures of 2/14 to turn the entire course of the match in his bowling spell. It was absolute drama on the ultimate delivery when Malinga, who had an awful outing in the final, trapped Shardul Thakur lbw to script an unbelievable 1-run victory against the arch-rivals.
ALSO READ Most IPL Runs as Captain | Most runs in IPL history
2. IPL 2018: Chennai won by 1 wicket
In CSK's comeback match after a two-year ban in the IPL, they faced defending champions at Wankhede Stadium in the season opener in IPL 2018. Batting first, MI posted a reasonable total of 165 runs courtesy of a late flourish from Krunal Pandya. While the CSK openers were up to the task, a middle-order collapse left the visitors reeling at 84 for 6. Batting at No.7, Dwayne Bravo proved his worth as an all-rounder and stroked a beautifully crafted 30-ball 68.
However, Bravo fell in a crunch moment, leaving CSK to chase down seven runs with a wicket to spare in the final over. It is when Kedar Jadhav, after being retired hurt, and unable to walk, came out to join the last man standing. Somehow, Jadhav got CSK over the line with a six scooped over fine-leg, followed by a four to seal a dramatic 1-wicket win for CSK.
3. IPL 2012: Mumbai won by 2 wickets
In IPL 2012, CSK vs MI in Chennai saw contrasting emotions in either camp. In a match which was nearly sealed for CSK, was lost in the last ten balls in the second innings after Dwayne Smith heroics did the damage for the home team. Chasing 174 runs to win, Mumbai were well on course after fifties from Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. However, with a few quick wickets, CSK were back in the game before a late wallop from Smith changed the equation for MI. With 14 required off the last three balls, Smith scored as many runs with a couple of fours and six to seal the deal for his team in a humdinger of a clash.
ALSO READ List of IPL Records held by Rohit Sharma
4. IPL 2011: Mumbai won by 8 runs
In IPL 2011, it was yet again a classic case of CSK batting collapse that led to their defeat against Mumbai in an away fixture. Batting first, it was a quick-fire 87-run knock from Rohit Sharma that propelled MI to post 164/4 in their 20 overs. In pursuit of 165 runs to win, CSK were cruising at one stage before a careless batting display plotted CSK's demise on an otherwise easy wicket. The home team, from 98/3 in 11.2 overs, could only manage to score 156/9 in their 20 overs. It was a valiant 71-run knock from S Badrinath that went in vain as CSK lost the game by eight runs.
5. IPL 2008: Chennai won by 6 runs
In the inaugural IPL season, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians locked horns for the very first time at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. In a high-scoring thriller, CSK posted 208/5 while batting first courtesy of an 81-run knock by Matthew Hayden. However, even the Mumbai top-order was on par during the chase before a couple of quick wickets derailed their chase in the middle-overs.
With a tough job in hand, Abhishek Nayar and Harbhajan Singh used their willow to get as close to the CSK total but fell short by six runs in the end. It was the bowling duo of Manpreet Gony and Joginder Sharma which saved the night for CSK in preventing a humiliating defeat.
