Dubai - A cavalier innings of 71 by Brendon McCullum gave Chennai Super Kings a seven-wicket win over the Pepsi IPL champions Mumbai Indians in Dubai on Friday night.
He paced himself superbly, aiming at a target of just 142 which had been set up by the Chennai bowlers and Mohit Sharma in particular, who took three wickets in one over and 4-14 overall.
It was the Super Kings' third victory out of four, and in two of those they had watched the chasing team self-destruct. But McCullum and Dwayne Smith laid the foundation for victory, gaining revenge for their loss in the final last year with an opening partnership of 57 in 38 balls.
Smith had struck four sixes in his 29 runs and was looking for another when he was well taken by a diving Corey Anderson.
Harbhajan Singh claimed Suresh Raina (1) and Faf du Plessis (20) with stumpings, but McCullum stayed true to cause. His innings, off 53 balls, contained eight fours and two sixes.
Having lost the toss, the Super Kings' bowlers simply got down to business and bowled superbly to throttle the Indians and hold them to 31 in the power play.
He paced himself superbly, aiming at a target of just 142 which had been set up by the Chennai bowlers and Mohit Sharma in particular, who took three wickets in one over and 4-14 overall.
It was the Super Kings' third victory out of four, and in two of those they had watched the chasing team self-destruct. But McCullum and Dwayne Smith laid the foundation for victory, gaining revenge for their loss in the final last year with an opening partnership of 57 in 38 balls.
Smith had struck four sixes in his 29 runs and was looking for another when he was well taken by a diving Corey Anderson.
Harbhajan Singh claimed Suresh Raina (1) and Faf du Plessis (20) with stumpings, but McCullum stayed true to cause. His innings, off 53 balls, contained eight fours and two sixes.
Having lost the toss, the Super Kings' bowlers simply got down to business and bowled superbly to throttle the Indians and hold them to 31 in the power play.