IPL 2021: Five talking points of season opener between Mumbai Indians and RCB
Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) kick started their IPL 2021 campaign on a winning note, beating Mumbai Indians by 2 wickets at Chepauk on Friday. The Bangalore franchise successfully chased 160 in the final ball of the innings. There were many talking points and interesting stats to emerge after the first game of IPL 2021. Here's a look at the top five exciting talking points from Match 1 of the 14th edition of the IPL.
#1 Five wickets for Harshal Patel
The medium pacer from Haryana recorded the first five wicket haul by a bowler against Mumbai Indians in the history of IPL. Harshul dismissed Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya and Marco Jansen in the MI batting line up. His match figures looked an impressing 4-0-27-5. Harshal also broke Rohit Sharma's record for best bowling figures against MI in the IPL.
#2 AB de Villiers magic
It was an amazing batting display by RCB’s AB de Villiers yet again which helped RCB chase the MI target successfully. Also known as Mr. 360, the South African batsman produced a match-winning innings. He smashed 48 runs off just 27 balls that included 2 sixes and 4 boundaries.
#3 Glenn Maxwell shows signs of form
Glenn Maxwell disappointed many fans with his performances in IPL 2020. Maxwell, who could not smash a single maximum last year, blasted a 28-ball 39 on his RCB debut. The Aussie all-rounder hit three fours and two sixes in his knock, thereby ending his drought and contributing massively to RCB's victory. Last time Maxwell hit a six was against KKR on April 27, 2018.
#4 IPL debuts for Marco Jansen and Kyle Jamieson
The season opener saw two debutants from both sides. Marco Jansen made his debut for Mumbai Indians while RCB fielded New Zealand quick Kyle Jamieson. The 20 year old Marco Jansen was impressive in his first outing in IPL , picking two wickets. It was a dream come true moment for the youngster, having bowled at Virat Kohli at the nets in Wanderers during India’s tour to South Africa in 2018.
#4. Mumbai Indians extend losing streak in their tournament openers
The Mumbai Indians have made it a habit of losing their first match of a new IPL season. The last time the Mumbai Indians won their opening match in the IPL was back in 2012, when they defeated the Chennai Super Kings in the fifth season's curtain-raiser. It was the first time Rohit Sharma led MI lost in Chennai since 2011.
