It is hardly possible to overvalue the rivalries which the Indian Premier League offers, and no one can be as heavy, rich in history, and dramatic as the confrontation between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Whenever these two giants clash it’s not just a match, it is a battle of legacy, leadership and nerves. No exception to this in the battle of today, and so far, Mumbai have come out on top in a battle which is closely tightly fought out.

Every moment is everything, however, at this point in the game, the tournament is in action and there is pressure. The prevailing win rate indicates the small yet hardly felt advantage of Mumbai: 61% of the win vs 39% of Chennai. Although numbers in IPL cricket may never tell all the stories, they do show who happened to dominate the crucial stages so watch all the epic moments at Diamond Exchange.

A Game of Fine Margins

Since the beginning of the match, it has been characterised by small yet significant moments. It has demonstrated that during the high-pressure scenarios Mumbai Indians have demonstrated a better control be it through bowling discipline, excellent fielding or timely acceleration with the bat. They have not lost to CSK, but they have always been out of the curve.

The steady and natural Calculated approach, Chennai Super Kings, is yet to put together. Their innings or chase (according to circumstances) has not been made up with the fluency which has always been accredited to them. Dot balls and broken flow has slowed them down and with a side such as Mumbai that can easily shift the tide, they can be slowed down.

Mumbai Indians has taken the Game 

Their coolness is what is noteworthy of Mumbai. They won the mini-battles, those two-over spells or key contests that as usually happen, no one notices and the end result is determined. It could be making or breaking, running in between overs or getting boundaries when there is the pressure, MI have done what it takes to execute their strategies well.

Their bowlers especially, seem to have followed some obvious strategy. They’ve ensured that Chennai has never been able to generate any real momentum by varying the speed, attacking the correct areas and pushing Chennai into mistakes. Mumbai have reeled back even at a time when CSK have threatened to break away with timely interventions.

Mumbai must have turned out to be a little more judicious with conditions using the bat. Their rotating capability has enabled them to strike times and not to have any prolonged silent moments - a key to ensuring there was pressure on the opponent.

CSK: Still Dangerous, Still alive

It is never a good idea to write off Chennai Super Kings. It is highly experienced and strong willed team with an unbelievable capability of winning games despite being underdogs. Remarkably, despite the mere presence of odds against them, they are still squarely on the battlefield.

A stabilizing  game changing spell is what CSK require at the moment. T20 cricket requires only one over of boundaries or busting two wickets to officially change the storyline. Chennai have gotten used to taking such a moment in the past and they will be seeking to take another one.

Their problem is that they must be able to cope with pressure, but not fall further behind. Sharp-eyed movement of dot balls, spotting openings, and staying calm will be essential in case they are to reduce the gap in chances to win.

Major Stages that defined the Match

Some of the moments that have played a role in the present strength of Mumbai are:

• Middle Overs Control: Mumbai have seemingly taken control of this key stage where they are able to restrict the scoring and weaken the formation of partnership.
• Pressure Management: MI have been effective in rotating strike whereas CSK have been unable to maintain rhythm.
• Momentum Swings: Chennai sought to get momentum any time but due to the fast response by Mumbai, no significant momentum could be shifted.

It is these factors, more than not, that make Mumbai ahead -although not out of sight- as of now.

Conclusion

Winning by 61 percent means that Mumbai Indians have the lead — albeit by a sliver. That strength can be lost in a few minutes in a format as volatile as IPL. CSK remains seriously in the race and there is no team that you would bet to be in an intense pursuit or in a situation of the comeback than, CSK.

With the game on its way to the climax, anticipate a thrilling experience, and perhaps a last minute finish that will conclude the match, as it approaches the final over. And since when MI and CSK intersect the tale is never straightforward - the result may often be uncertain and change so be ready to watch the match and play live at Diamond Exchange 99.