The nail biting finishes of both the matches at the at the historic Chepauk cricket ground, M A Chidambaram stadium on Saturday was a total paisa vasool for the fans who were in the stands in the Nokia Champions League.
In the first match, South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs blazed his way to a 47-ball 55 as Cape Cobras cantered to a seven-wicket win over New South Wales.
Chasing a modest 136 for victory, Gibbs along with fellow opener Richard Levi gave their team a flying start, raising 88 runs for the first wicket in mere 57 deliveries, and the match was as good as over by the time the latter got out. In the end, JP Duminy was unconquered on 14 off 16 balls, while Justin Ontong made an unbeaten 11 off 14, as the Cobras romped home with 16 balls to spare. Earlier, New South Wales wasted a brisk start from their openers as they were restricted to 135 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Cape Cobras won by 7 wickets- NSW Blues 135/8 (19.6 over) in reply Cobras 136/3 (17.2 over). Gibbs was the man of the match.
In the second match, Mumbai Indians upstaged defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) despite missing several key players in their opening game and stand-in skipper Harbhajan Singh felt his side's cause was helped by the inspiring presence of regular captain Sachin Tendulkar (who is injured) in the dressing room. Bhajju said Sachin was sending messages whenever it was required. Though happy with the result, he added to be honest it is difficult not to have Sachin in the side and Rohit Sharma and Munaf (Patel) were also not there. It is not the same side for us in the tournament.
Mumbai’s stunning win over Chennai Super Kings wasn’t all that convincing. Their batsmen messed up the chase before pacer Malinga pulled off a coup with the bat. With due courtesy to Malinga cameo during which he scored 37 runs off just 24 balls. Mumbai Indians won by 3 wickets - Chennai Super Kings 158/4 (19.6 over) in reply Mumbai Indians 159/7 (19.5 over). Malinga was the man of the match.
