XtraTime Web Desk: KL Rahul’s phenomenal 94 goes in vain, as Jasprit Bumrah’s terrific bowling helps Mumbai Indians to snatch another thriller at the Wankhede.
Mumbai Indians had so much to overcome. First, they were asked to bat in favourable chasing conditions. Then, Andrew Tye claimed his third four-for in four games, 4 for 16. And then another excellently-paced chase from KL Rahul put Mumbai on the brink of elimination. Faced with that adversity, Mumbai needed skill and luck. And they were blessed with the best of two key personnel: Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard.
After losing the toss, Mumbai may have reset their target, aiming for more than par to make up for favourable chasing conditions: the plausibility of dew and small boundaries. That may have forced their top order to not only attack from the outset, but remain aggressive irrespective of the start. With a strong middle order, it was the right decision in a must-win game.
Even though Evin Lewis was bowled for 9, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s attacking intent ensured the run rate didn’t slip. Together, they faced 27 balls and hit four fours and four sixes, putting Mumbai on course for an above-par score. But there was always the chance of additional risk resulting in wickets.
Kishan was caught at mid-on, attempting to heave Tye across the line. Suryakumar was caught behind off the thigh pad off the next ball. And when Rohit Sharma’s mis-timed pull found mid-on, Mumbai were caught in an awkward position at 71 for 4 in the ninth over.
Again, at no point, did Mumbai change tactics. That approach resulted in four wickets in five balls and a severe loss of momentum. Eventually, Mumbai scored just 35 runs in the last five overs, but with 186, they had above par anyway.
Chasing the huge total KL Rahul played a majestic innings of 94 with some incredible hits to continue the battle alone. Specially after Fi ch departed after a well made 46, it was Rahul who kept KXIP on the hunt. But Jasprit Bumrah showed why he is one of the best in the business by bowling some extraordinary overs(3/15) to derail the hopes of Ashwin’s team.
Mumbai Indians 186 for 8 (Pollard 50, Krunal 32, Tye 4-16) beat Kings XI Punjab 183 for 5 (Rahul 94, Finch 46, Bumrah 3-15) by three runs