IPL 6: Qualifier 1: MI vs CSK - With so many dreary off-the-fi- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

1/10

With so many dreary off-the-field happenings and the most expensive franchise deciding to pull out, the only good news for the BCCI on Tuesday was the on-field entertainment dished out by two CSK batsmen in the first qualifier between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

In This Pic : Chennai Super Kings

Pic Courtesy : PTI

2/10

CSK made their fourth consecutive final in the bargain, their fifth in six years of the tournament, with a resounding 48-run win in what was supposed to be a contest of equals but turned out to be anything but as Mumbai's formidable bowling unit came a cropper. Their in-form batsmen too faltered under pressure of a huge 193-run target, sinking to 144 all out with eight balls to spare.

In This Pic : Chennai Super Kings

Pic Courtesy : PTI

3/10

CSK owed the target to a spectacular 140-run stand from 12.4 overs by the dependable power duo of Michael Hussey (86 not out; 58b, 10x4, 2x6) and Suresh Raina (an unbeaten 82; 42b, 5x4, 5x6), whose free-flowing blades ensured much cheer around the Ferozeshah Kotla as Chennai motored to 192 for the loss of only one wicket batting first.

In This Pic : Suresh Raina, Michael Hussey

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

4/10

In contrast to the sombre mood which has enveloped the league, the thousands who congregated at the Kotla didn't seem to mind the fireworks, the blaring music, the swaying cheerleaders or the emcees. They came looking for a good time and even the absence of hosts Delhi Daredevils went unnoticed. MI now get a second chance to redeem themselves with another crack at a final berth in the second qualifier in Kolkata on Friday.

In This Pic : Michael Hussey, Lasith Mailinga

Pic Courtesy : PTI

5/10

Only MI opener Dwayne Smith (68 off 28 balls; 6x4, 5x6), who connected with some mighty heaves but pushed his luck too far, managed to temporarily upset CSK's composure. Dinesh Karthik fell to a debatable LBW decision and Rohit Sharma, for once, failed to get going, ensuring half the job done for CSK.

In This Pic : Dwayne Smith

Pic Courtesy : PTI