The defending Champions Mumbai Indians returned to winning ways as they defeated Rajasthan Royals easily in the 24th match of IPL 2021 played at the Arun Jaitely Stadium, New Delhi on Thursday.
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to field first. It was a cautious start by Jos Buttler and Jaiswal against Boult and Bumrah. Pollard missed a run-out chance to get rid of Buttler. After the initial struggle, Buttler and Jaiswal took the attack on Jayant Yadav putting enough pressure on Mumbai Indians bowlers. At the end of the first six overs, Rajasthan Royals scored 47 for 0. With that, the first timeout was called.
After the timeout, Jaiswal and Buttler made the batting look easy on a good batting pitch. Rahul Chahar fought back strongly to get rid of Buttler who was stumped coming down the track ending a strong 66 opening partnership. Sanju Samson looked in sublime touch right from word go putting Chahar and Krunal Pandya under immense with his footwork and timing. Jaiswal also played some lovely strokes to put RR on course for a big total. Chahar got his 2nd wicket by getting the wicket of Jaiswal with a simple return catch.
Shivam Dube came to the crease and faced lots of trouble with 6 dot deliveries. Sanju Samson did not up ante taking singles and hitting occasional boundaries. At the end of the 2nd timeout, RR posted 113 for 2.
Dube could not time the ball well as Mumbai Indian bowlers kept tight lines and lengths. Boult produced a superb yorker to get rid of Sanju Samson. Samson and Dube added 57 runs for the 3rd wicket. Bumrah was simply sensational with the execution of yorkers making life tough Dube. He eventually dismissed Dube providing a simple return catch to the bowler. David Miller hit a lovely boundary off the last ball to help Rajasthan Royals post 171 for 4 in 20 overs.
Chasing 172 runs to win, Mumbai Indians openers started slowly in the first two overs. Quinton de Kock put pressure on RR bowlers with attacking and innovative strokes. Chris Morris took the first wicket for RR dismissing Rohit Sharma providing an easy catch to Sakaryia at mid-on. Mumbai Indians scored 49 at the end of the first six overs.
Surya Kumar Yadav showed his intent against Rahul Tewaita and hit some lovely boundaries. At the end of the first timeout, Mumbai Indians looked in a comfortable position at 71 for 1.
Chris Morris was bought into the attack and grabbed Surya Kumar Yadav’s wicket providing an easy catch to Buttler. Surya Kumar and Quinton de Kock added 34 runs for the 2nd wicket. Krunal Pandya was promoted at number 4 while de Kock completed his fifty off 35 balls. Pandya gained his confidence with an important knock. At the end of the 2nd timeout, Mumbai Indians ended at 119 for 2.
Rahman produced a superb delivery to get rid of Krunal Pandya. Krunal Pandya and de Kock added 63 runs for the 3rd wicket. Kieron Pollard showed his class to hit the winning runs helping Mumbai Indians register a comfortable 7 wicket win.
Mumbai Indians 172 for 3 in 18.3 overs ( De Kock 70*, Pandya 39, Chris Morris 2/33) beat Rajasthan Royals 171 for 4 in 20 overs ( Sanju Samson 42, Buttler 41, Rahul Chahar 2/33) by 7 wickets.
For his unbeaten 70 off 50 balls, de Kock was awarded the man of the match award. Mumbai Indians moved up to six points.
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