Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their rejuvenated run, as they brought two crucial points under their belt, as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 13 runs at their territory.
As a result, Mumbai jumps to the fifth spot with eight points from 10 games. Batting first, Mumbai banked on a brilliant opening stand to post a staggering total. Suryakumar Yadav (59) and Evin Lewis (43) added 91 runs for the first wicket to set the ton.
Hardik Pandya’s little cameo at the fag end ensured the hosts post a challengable total.
In reply, the visitors lost two wickets before Robin Uthappa (54), and Nitish Rana (31) started to steady the ship. However, three wickets in the middle brought Mumbai back in the team. Dinesh Karthik‘s blistering knock at the end went in vain, as Kolkata fell 13 runs short.
Here is the players’ rating of the Mumbai team:
Suryakumar Yadav: (8/10)
Suryakumar Yadav has been a revelation this season, and he continued his job. He brought yet another fifty to set the platform for the middle-orders. He will have to continue his efforts if Mumbai have to qualify for the playoffs.
Evin Lewis: (7/10)
The swashbuckling Windies opener finally got some runs under his belt, as Mumbai added 91 runs for the first wicket. Lewis contributed with a valuable 43 off 28 deliveries.
Mumbai will desperately want him to carry on this good run in the next fixture.
Ishan Kishan (wk): (2/10)
The young wicket-keeper batsman had no role to play with the bat in today’s game. However, he did a good job behind the stumps. Kishan will look to get some runs under his belt, who had a fine start to this league.
Rohit Sharma (c): (3.5/10)
Skipper Rohit Sharma failed to cash in after getting a crucial start. However, he was spot on with bowling changes, as Mumbai bagged an important two points.
Meanwhile, Mumbai dugout will want Sharma to score runs in the upcoming games.
Jean-Paul Duminy: (5.5/10)
The experienced South African all-rounder has finally started to settle in the side. After missing out on the last few games, Duminy contributed with 13 runs which helped Mumbai post a huge total.
However, he needs to score consistently and help Mumbai, who have a daunting task ahead.
Hardik Pandya: (9/10)
India’s premier all-rounder, Hardik produced a monumental effort, as it took his team to crucial two points.
He played an unbeaten knock of 35 runs before picking two wickets for 19 runs in his four overs. Meanwhile, his form will be a huge boost for Mumbai in the business end of the league.
Krunal Pandya: (6.5/10)
The elder of the Pandy brother’s, Krunal has been doing remarkably well for Mumbai in this season. He has chipped in with both bat and ball, and his form will be crucial going deep in the tournament.
The all-rounder chipped in with 14 runs before returning with one for 29 in his three.
Ben Cutting: (3/10)
The all-rounder from Australia had a poor outing today. He went for 23 runs in his two overs, as Rohit didn’t bowl him his full quota. However, he needs to hit the form to retain his place in the team.
Mitchell McClenaghan: (6/10)
Since coming in as a replacement, McClenaghan has been riping fruits for Mumbai. He has been economical and has provided wickets, as he returned with one for 30 in his four overs. His form will be crucial in the remaining league games.
Mayank Markande: (6.5/10)
Markande made amends picking the wicket of Robin Uthappa whom he dropped on four. The young leg-spinner came back strong in the second spell after going for plenty in the first over. However, this is a learning curve, and he will only grow from here.
Jasprit Bumrah: (5.5/10)
Although Bumrah went for few runs, he kept his nerves at the end to see his team through. However, this edition has been average for India’s premier limited-overs seamer. He will have contributed more if Mumbai wants to qualify.
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