CSK knock out Mumbai Indians with clinical chase to stay in IPL playoff hunt

Chasing 160, CSK produced a composed batting display to reach the target in 18.1 overs. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the innings with a fluent unbeaten 67 from 48 deliveries, striking five fours and two sixes.

He was well supported by Kartik Sharma, who remained not out on 54 off 40 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, as the pair ensured there were no late hiccups.

Earlier, Mumbai Indians' decision to bat first after winning the toss failed to yield the desired outcome. They posted 159 for 7 in their 20 overs, but once again struggled to build sustained momentum.

Naman Dhir led the scoring with a brisk 57 off 37 balls, while Ryan Rickelton contributed 37 from 24 deliveries.

Suryakumar Yadav added a quick 21 off 12, but the rest of the batting unit faltered. Will Jacks (1) and Tilak Varma (5) fell cheaply, while Hardik Pandya managed only 18 from 23 balls.

CSK's bowling effort was disciplined throughout. Anshul Kamboj impressed with three wickets, while Noor Ahmad picked up two.

Ramakrishna Ghosh, making his debut, and Jamie Overton chipped in with a wicket apiece.

For Mumbai, Jasprit Bumrah and Allah Ghazanfar claimed one wicket each, but lacked sufficient support to defend a modest total.

The defeat leaves Mumbai stranded on four points from nine matches, and even five consecutive wins would only take them to 14 - short of the 16-point threshold typically required for qualification.

Meanwhile, CSK, now with four wins, remain firmly in contention, having also beaten Mumbai by 103 runs in their earlier meeting this season. 

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