Mumbai Indians (MI) kept themselves alive in the tournament, as they beat host Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by six wickets at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Batting first, Punjab banking on Chris Gayle’s yet another fifty posted 174 runs on the board. Chris Gayle (50) and KL Rahul (24) although started slow but picked it up soon. The big Jamaican’s superlative form with the bat continues.
However, some late blows from Marcus Stoinis (29) ensured the host post a challenging total against a depleted Mumbai squad.
In reply, Mumbai started attacking from the first delivery to which Punjab had no answer. Suryakumar Yadav continued his rich form scoring yet another half-century.
Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with useful contributions. However, it was skipper Rohit Sharma (24*) and Krunal Pandya (31*) that saw the team home. Krunal has been a silent warrior for Mumbai over the years. He likes to do his job remaining away from the spotlight while Rohit has been selfless in this tournament. He has shuffled his position according to the need of the team and has the led them from the front.
However, Mumbai will have to continue this momentum with upcoming matches almost knockouts form them.
Here is the players rating:
Suryakumar Yadav: (8.5/10)
Suryakumar Yadav continued the job he has been doing for Mumbai since the start of the season. His 57 off 42 deliveries provided Mumbai with a solid start.
However, his job will be to continue scoring in the upcoming matches which are almost knockouts for Mumbai.
Evin Lewis: (3.5/10)
Lewis’ inconsistency with the bat continues, as he once again failed to contribute to his team’s success. The southpaw scored ten runs off 13 deliveries before getting out to young Mujeeb.
Ishan Kishan (wk): (6/10)
Kishan chipped in with a valuable 25 runs after Mumbai lost their first wicket early. He has time and again scored for Mumbai and will look to carry the form. Moreover, his purple patch with the bat will keep the Mumbai dugout excited.
Jean-Paul Duminy: (3/10)
The South African all-rounder had a minimal role to play in this game. He bowled one over for eight runs, however, didn’t get the opportunity to bat. Duminy will aim to spend some time in the middle in the next few games.
Rohit Sharma (c): (8.5/10)
Sharma has shuffled his batting position for the betterment of the side. He came down at five to see his team through in a crucial encounter. The skipper remained unbeaten on 24 runs off 15 balls, as Mumbai cruised to victory.
Hardik Pandya: (6/10)
After going for plenty with the ball in the final over, Hardik scored some quick runs, as he went early to bat. His 13-ball 23 set the right tone for the visitors, as they chased down the target with ease. Previously, Pandya gave away 44 runs in his four overs taking one wicket.
Krunal Pandya: (9.5/10)
The senior of the Pandya brothers has done his job for the team quietly. He had stood upto the occasion whenever required and today was one such instance. Krunal’s late cameo of 31 from 12 balls, in the end, ensured Mumbai crucial two points.
Ben Cutting: (6/10)
The Australian all-rounder had an average game bowling three vital overs for his side. Cutting gave away 28 runs in three overs picking the important wicket of Chris Gayle.
Mitchell McClenaghan: (6.5/10)
Since joining the squad as a replacement, McClenaghan has done a decent job for his side. The left-arm seamer has slotted in beautifully and is riping results for Mumbai. The Kiwi speedster returned with one of 31 in his four against a devastating Punjab batting.
Mayank Markande: (6/10)
The flair of young Markande has started to fade, and he is facing reality check now. However, he has done a decent job for Mumbai. The leg-spinner returned with one for 29 in his three overs and will look to do well in the upcoming fixtures.
Jasprit Bumrah: (8/10)
Bumrah was absolutely stunning in Friday’s game against Punjab, as he found his old form to return with one for 19 in his full quota. His form will certainly boost the Mumbai dugout.
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