Published: Apr 26, 2016, 12:07 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 26, 2016, 12:11 PM (IST)
Mumbai Indians (MI) trumped the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 25 runs in the 21st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 tournament, and registered their third win in seven matches so far in IPL 9. Mumbai Indians (MI) lost their star batsman and captain Rohit Sharma early on, but a 137-run stand for the second wicket between Parthiv Patel and Ambati Rayudu set a match-winning total for them. KXIP did not disappoint with the bat, but their batsmen found the target of 190 too much to handle. Let us take a look at the highlights of the IPL 9 match on Monday night. Full Cricket Scorecard: Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2016 Match 21 at Mohali
Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal: More than any other batsman, it is Rohit Sharma who carries the biggest threat in the Mumbai Indians’ batting line-up. However, the right-hander had a poor game with the bat as he was dismissed for a second-ball duck in the game. Rohit was caught behind by Nikhil Naik as he tried to cut a ball outside off from Sandeep Sharma, but ended up being slightly early in going for his shot. In a high-pressure game, losing Rohit on the second ball itself would have increased the pressure on Mumbai Indians. ALSO READ: Pacers lead Mumbai Indians to 25-run win over Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2016 Match 21 at Mohali
Parthiv Patel and Ambati Rayudu’s match-winning act: Parthiv Patel and Ambati Rayudu had a 137-run stand for the second wicket which turned out to be the highlight of their win. Parthiv was in his elements and had luck on his side, as he got as many as three lifelines during his innings of 81 off 58 balls. Parthiv struck 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Rayudu started off slowly but picked up really well to score a rapid 37-ball 65, which was studded with 4 sixes and as many boundaries.
Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh leading the fightback: The middle-order of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) finally stood up, with the two Australians adding 89 runs for the third wicket. Maxwell scored the only half-century for his side, while Marsh was unfortunate to miss out on one. Maxwell scored 56 off 39 balls, hitting 5 boundaries and a six which signalled that he has finally struck form. On the other hand, Marsh managed to score 45 off 34 balls, with the help of 3 boundaries and a six. As it turned out, their effort was not enough to save KXIP succumbing to their fifth defeat in 6 matches.
Mumbai Indians’ bowlers joining the party: After the batsmen had done their job, it was Mumbai’s bowlers who sealed an all-round performance. Jasprit Bumrah claimed 3 wickets, while the Kiwi pair of Mitchell McClenaghan and Tim Southee grabbed 2 each to wreck KXIP’s chase of 190. Mumbai will hope that their players continue to produce all-round shows like this as they now have played 7 matches — most for any team so far in IPL 9 — and have won only 3.
Mitchell Johnson fading away: To say Johnson was disappointing will be an understatement. From bowling a massive no-ball off which he had Parthiv caught at deep square leg, to bowling wrong lines and lengths, Johnson continued to be a worry for the Kings XI Punjab. He was wayward, ineffective and unintimidating. Johnson’s performance will surely raise the woes for KXIP, who continue to search for a leader of their bowling attack which they have been missing sorely.
(Devarchit Varma is senior writer with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
