The Mumbai Indians crashed to their third consecutive defeat as the Chennai Super Kings made it a hat-trick of wins in IPL 2014.
CSK were unstoppable yet again, doing the business with the ball, restricting the Mumbai Indians to just 141 for seven in their 20 overs, when at one point, with Corey Anderson and Rohit Sharma at the crease, the defending champions looked well on course for a score over 160.
Mohit Sharma was the star with the ball, finishing with outstanding figures of four for 14 to deservedly win the man of the match award. Dwayne Smith, against his former side, and Brendon McCullum then gave CSK a quick start with the New Zealander seeing his side through, finishing on a brilliant 71 not out.
"Dhoni told me not to ball with one pace, but to mix it up, and it worked very well," Mohit said. "We bowled very well to keep Mumbai to 140, and then McCullum and Smith batted really well to chase down the target."
Dhoni admitted it was the bowlers who won the match for the Super Kings. "I think the death bowling was superb," he said at the presentation ceremony. "In the middle they had a partnership going, it meant the bowlers had to step up, and I think all credit goes to the bowlers.
"From the last game we realised bowling slow and low works really well, which Mohit, in particular, did really well. Overall it was a really good bowling performance."
Dhoni also had plenty of words of praise for his swashbuckling opening duo of Smith and McCullum. "They have not competed with each other, and that is really important, they have complemented each other very well," Dhoni added. "They both don't need to fire at all cylinders, what is crucial building a partnership.
"We also have good firepower to come with Suresh Raina and Faf Du Plessis and it is working really well."
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, who failed to go on and make a big score after reaching 50, admitted the batsmen losing their way in the final five overs of the first innings had eventually cost them the match.
"We had a target of 160 in mind, and I was disappointed in our batting display," Rohit said "After a poor start we got back into it in the middle but then were poor again at the death.
"A score of 140 was never going to be enough. It was a really good batting track. Our bowlers did really well to make a game of it. I got out at the wrong time and I hope my guys learn from this game."
