Chennai: An allround display by Mumbai Indians (MI) saw them post a comprehensive eight-wicket win over the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening match of Indian Premier League's (IPL) season five here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest 113 to win, Mumbai achieved the target with 3.1 overs to spare, riding on Richard Levi's fifty on IPL debut and his 69-run opening stand with Sachin Tendulkar, who retired hurt with a hand injury after scoring 16. Doug Bollinger and Dwayne Bravo were the two wicket-takers for Chennai.
Levi and Rohit Sharma (0) fell in quick succession to give Chennai some hope in the middle. However, Ambati Rayudu (18 not out) and James Franklin (25 not out) made sure there were no major hiccups towards the end of Mumbai's chase.
CSK – who were unbeaten at home in the last season – were never in the game after Mumbai reduced them to 85 for 5 following skipper Harbhajan Singh's decision to bowl first. Despite a 26-ball 36 by Suresh Raina, Chennai could never recover and were eventually bowled out for a meagre 112 in 19.5 overs. Lasith Malinga, Pragyan Ojha and the West Indian allrounder Kieron Pollard finished with two wickets apiece.
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