Published: Apr 21, 2017, 07:15 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 21, 2017, 08:32 AM (IST)
Mumbai Indians (MI), who started their campaign with a defeat in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), have now registered their fifth consecutive win. Chasing a huge total of 199, Rohit Sharma-led side completed the chase in only 15.3 overs to beat Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 8 wickets at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Thursday. Wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler played a blistering knock of 37-ball 77, while Nitish Rana once again showed his skills with another fifty in the tournament, which included 7 sixes and no fours. With this win, MI are now standing at the top in points table. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians – Match 22
After winning the match against KXIP, Rohit got nostalgic as the chase reminded him of the similar one against Rajasthan Royals in 2014. “Incredible game to be a part of. Something reminded me of the game in 2014 when we chased down 195. To be able to go and chase a target in 15 overs was fantastic,” said Rohit.
Rohit also praised KXIP’s opener Hashim Amla’s unbeaten classy knock of 104 runs, which went in vain in the end. Rohit rated Amla’s knock as one of the finest and said, “Not to forget Hashim Amla played one of the finest knocks we’ve seen.” Rohit also applauded MI’s openers’ performance in giving a perfect start to the chase and added, “The talk in the dressing room was the ground is small and we backed our batsmen to play their shots. The way Jos and Parthiv started off was amazing. We all know Jos’ capability with the bat and Parthiv was brilliant with his cameo. He is coming off a good First-Class season and is carrying it on here.”
However, Rohit accepted the fact that his side’s bowling is going a bit down and needed to look into it. “The bowling is something we need to look into. They are proven match winners not just for Mumbai Indians but for their respective countries as well. It is always challenging for them, the batsmen come after them and they need to always keep thinking. But the management and me are constantly backing them. You need to be on the money and you shouldn’t lose the momentum which is something that we know very well. We have focussed only on one opponent at a time and we have wanted to stay in the moment. It has been a good run and we need to continue this.” Rohit expressed.
MI’s next game is against Delhi Daredevils (DD) at their home venue of Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
