Sanju Samson smashes 5th IPL century, powers CSK to 207 vs MI
Mumbai: Sanju Samson delivered a defining innings under pressure, bringing up his fifth century in the Indian Premier League, as Chennai Super Kings posted a formidable 207/6 against Mumbai Indians in Thursday’s high-stakes encounter.
In a match billed as the IPL’s own “El Clasico,” Samson stood tall amid a faltering batting lineup, finishing unbeaten on 101 off 54 deliveries. His knock not only marked a personal milestone but also played a crucial role in keeping CSK competitive in a must-win situation.
Opening the batting and donning the gloves, Samson showcased remarkable composure as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Rather than slowing down, he adapted, rotating strike early on before accelerating with clean hitting in the latter half of the innings.
His knock included 10 boundaries and six sixes, with several of those maximums coming in the death overs, helping CSK push beyond the 200-run mark, often seen as a match-winning total in T20 cricket.
ALSO READ: 'Krunal Pandya effect?' Santner’s viral delivery becomes talking point in MI vs CSK clash
This was also his second century for CSK, further cementing his role as a key pillar in the team’s batting unit this season.
While Samson dominated the scoreboard, the rest of the CSK batting lineup struggled to build lasting partnerships.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, leading the side, managed 22 runs, while Dewald Brevis added 21, but neither could convert their starts into significant contributions.
The middle order saw brief cameos, but the lack of stability meant Samson had to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility. His ability to bat through the innings, anchoring from the first over to the last, proved to be the difference between an average total and a commanding one.
MI bowlers show fight but fall short
Mumbai’s bowling attack had its moments, especially during the middle overs when they managed to break partnerships at regular intervals.
Ashwani Kumar and AM Ghazanfar were the standout performers with two wickets each, applying pressure on CSK’s middle order.
Meanwhile, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah once again showcased his control and experience, returning figures of 1/31 in his four overs.
However, despite their efforts, the inability to dismiss Samson proved costly, as the wicketkeeper-batter capitalised in the final overs to take CSK past the 200-run mark.
With PTI inputs