Bhajji hails 'great fight' after Mumbai's exit

It was a treat to watch Pollard and Karthik... a great fight shown, says Harbhajan

Batting first CSK posted 173 for eight in 20 overs.

Mumbai’s Lasith Malinga grabbed five for 32, but Faf du Plessis’ 52 from 33 balls at the top of the order ensured Chennai posted a testing total.

Harbhajan Singh. Pic/AFP

Mumbai began their chase slowly, reaching 30 for two after seven overs, before Dinesh Karthik and Kieron Pollard threatened to snatch an unlikely win. After Karthik blasted 74 from 45 balls, Pollard took centrestage, launching Ravichandran Ashwin for three sixes in the 18th over but fell early in the final over leaving MI short seven runs short of victory at 167 for seven.

“We bowled well after the first 10 overs. It was a treat to watch Pollard and Karthik... a great fight shown. It was a pitch where one could hit shots off good length balls. I’m proud of the boys. Whenever we play CSK it’s always a good game,” said Harbhajan.

CSK fell short
CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni felt they were around 15 runs short. “We could have got another 15 runs. But, 170-plus also makes a difference,” he said.

Meanwhile, defending champions Mumbai Indians will look to salvage some pride with a win when they take on table-toppers Sydney Sixers in Durban today.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!