IPL 2019: 22nd Match, Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Match Review; It turned out to be a thrilling victory for the Mumbai Indians as Kieron Pollard played a masterclass and helped Mumbai clinch victory form the jaws of defeat. Defending a score of 197, Kings XI Punjab leaked runs in the last phase of the match to lose a match which they should have won quite convincingly.
Mumbai Indians were almost buried in the match before Kieron Pollard came to their rescue and struck a captain’s knock. He took the responsibility in his own hands and took MI close to the victory target. Courtesy their victory, Mumbai Indians go to the 3rd position in the points table with 8 points from 6 matches.
The turning point of the match
No points in guessing. Kieron Pollard’s mindboggling innings proved to be the game changer for Mumbai Indians as the three-time champions never looked going anywhere close to the victory target but Kieron Pollard heroics gave Mumbai a miraculous victory. The big man from the Caribbean smashed a scintillating 83 of a mere 31 deliveries, an innings which was studded with 3 fours and 10 sixes.
Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab- 2nd innings
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, it was debutant Siddhesh Lad who came out to open the innings with wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock. Lad smashed his very first delivery of IPL career for a terrific six. It was a horrible delivery from Ankit Rajpoot and Lad swivelled across to put it in the crowd. After a partnership of 28 runs, it was Mohammed Shami who provided the wicket of Siddhesh Lad.
Suraykumar Yadav looked in great touch and struck some good shots to get his innings going. However, a loss of concentration saw two quick wickets of Quinton de Kock and Suraykumar Yadav which put MI to the backfoot. Kieron Pollard, the stand-in skipper of Mumbai Indians promoted himself in the batting order.
Pollard looked in ominous touch and started smashing the Punjab bowlers right from the word go. It was sensational strokeplay by the wonderful hitter of the ball. The big man from the West Indies scored a quickfire half-century in just 22 deliveries. He proved to be the man who made the difference for the Mumbai Indians.
The all-rounder eventually smashed 83 of just 31 deliveries and almost took Mumbai Indians over the line. After his dismissal, it was Alzarri Joseph who held his nerves and took the required double in the last ball of the innings to finish of the match for Mumbai Indians. Kieron Pollard was the Player of the Match without a doubt and his striking was simply marvellous and out of this world.
Scoreboard
Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab-1st innings
After winning the toss, it was stand in Mumbai Indians skipper Kieron Pollard who put the visitors in. It was Chris Gayle and KL Rahul who came out to begin proceedings for the Kings XI Punjab. The southpaw looked in great touch from the outset and started smashing the Mumbai Indians bowlers with disdain. KL Rahul played the perfect foil to Chris Gayle as he built on his innings and late went for the big shots.
Gayle struck 3 fours and 7 sixes during his exceptional knock of 63 of 36 deliveries. The southpaw just stood there and delivered shots after shots. It was exceptional strokeplay by the big man from Jamaica. He would have hoped to carry on and score a century but it was Jason Behrendorff who provided the all-important breakthrough for the Mumbai Indians.
Courtesy their brilliant partnership, Kings XI Punjab raced to 116 in 13 overs before the dismissal of Chris Gayle. There was a stutter in the middle overs as the Mumbai Indians made a good comeback. Three wickets fell in quick succession as Punjab was reduced to 151/4. However, it was a sensational power hitting by KL Rahul which propelled Punjab to a commendable score of 197 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Rahul completed his maiden IPL century and kept some special treatment for his special mate Hardik Pandya. He smashed him for 3 sixes and a four of Pandya’s final over which took him close to the century. Eventually, he completed his century in the final over to ensure Punjab reached a good total of 197 runs.
Scoreboard
