The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season has heated up with the El-Clasico of the IPL history between Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match being played in Mumbai.
Batting first, despite a cracking start, Mumbai Indians could only score 157 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
And now chasing the target, veteran Indian opening batsman Ajinkya Rahane, batting in at number 3, brought in a storm that Mumbai Indians had no answer for.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player hit an impressive 23 runs in one over of Arshad Khan including 4 boundaries and 1 six as part of his explosive inning of 61 runs.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians got off to a good start with both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan looking in good touch. Both the players gave Mumbai a platform to setup a big target.
However, as soon as both the batters departed back to the pavilion, the Mumbai Indians players failed to step up and deliver big for the boys in blue. Tim David somewhat tried to rescue the inning, but he could also score on 31 runs.
At somewhat pace, Mumbai Indians could only score 157 runs and lost 8 wickets. Chasing the target, Devon Conway departed early for CSK but Mumbai Indians were not prepared for the Rahane storm that hit them thereafter.
Ajinkya Rahane scored 61 runs in just 27 ball, in the process he also scored the fastest fifty in IPL 2023. Ruturaj Gaikwad see out the match with 40 runs in 36 balls and was well supported by Shivam Dube and Ambati Rayudu as they won the match by 7 wickets. See how Twitterati reacted to Ajinkya Rahane’s inning.
Ajinkya Rahane redemption:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 8, 2023
Fifty in just 19 balls on CSK debut – out of nowhere, he's produced this masterclass! pic.twitter.com/iqZ8pyRsR8
Rahane fastest fifty of IPL 2023 🤣 Itna soch ke to Dhoni ne bhi nahi pick kiya hoga.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 8, 2023
6, 4, 4, 4, 4, 1 by Rahane in a single over.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 8, 2023
23 runs in the 4th over.
#CSKvsMI
— Anurag Dwivedi 🏏 (@AnuragxCricket) April 8, 2023
Rahane is a test player, cannot play T20s
Meanwhile Rahane : pic.twitter.com/RU3HIvzREj
Difference Between CSK and 9 other teams
— Sir Anthoni (@imAnthoni_) April 8, 2023
Rayudu 💛 Uthappa 💛 Rahane
They thought it's over for them..
🚨 CSK told : Over to You Guys pic.twitter.com/lSHBiXvpOK
Ajinkya Orton or Randy Rahane? Jee, that was an RKO out of nowhere! 19-ball 50 & the fastest of the season.
— Mama | 360° Entertainment (@SriniMaama16) April 8, 2023
Rayudu, Uthappa, Rahane: 3 cricketers who have stepped up for CSK when you thought their T20 career was mostly over. What a franchise! 💛 pic.twitter.com/uveCJxLVvX
Is that really Ajinkya Rahane? Or is it Chris Gayle wearing a mask 😀 wow stuff!
— Danish Sait (@DanishSait) April 8, 2023
Who would have taught, Rahane will be the one to save CSK today..
— Introvert_Me! (@Harsha_SRD) April 8, 2023
A day to be remembered.!!#ElClasico
