MI vs SRH, IPL 2021: We finally have our top four after a fierce battle for the fourth spot. Having a slight chance to qualify MI did what they can do but it was inadequate.
No other option than to bat first, Rohit Sharma’s heads call set right, and forcefully have to bat first. “We will do whatever we can with the bat and see we have to come and get them out as well,” said MI captain during the toss.
The intent MI showed was marvelous, Ishan Kishan(84 off 32 balls) continued his breathtaking performance from the other night. A video game innings, consisting of 11 fours and 4 sixes, gave MI the best base possible to start this important match.
The middle overs phase was crucial and SRH somewhat controlled the innings to limit the damage. Run rate was skyrocketing before Kishan’s wicket but Abhishek Sharma came and loosened up the tight situation with two quick breakthroughs roping Pollard and then Neesham.
Another superman act from MI’s star Suryakumar Yadav. An unbelievable batting display brought MI close to a very winnable score of 235 runs. MI then had a definite shot for a victory.
Jason Holder took four wickets and only giving five runs in the last over which looking at the score is appreciative. Every bowler got the punishment and it was so expected from MI.
The score could have more has another batter would have contributed, however, SRH bowling attack got rid of them nicely.
The equation turns out that MI had to stop SRH before 66 runs mark, which looking at MI’s bowling strength is possible. However, SRH being mindful of it in a similar fashion as the opponent.
When the first wicket fell, the playoff spot was sealed by KKR, and now finishing the journey on a high note began. Abishek Sharma(33) was superb at the top so was Jason Roy(34).
MI pacers performed well comparatively with Bumrah, Coulter-Nile, and Neesham picking two wickets each. While New Zealand left-arm seamer got one being most economical of the lot.
Captaining an IPL side for the first time in his career, Manish Pandey(69) led from the front being unbeaten till the end. Recent u-19 Indian skipper Priyam Garg(29) also showed a glimpse of his potential but had to depart halfway.
Playing his 250th IPL match and while his first for Mumbai Indians, Piyush Chawla was commendable with the ball. Being expensive is fair considering the high scores. While Krunal Pandya still struggles with the ball getting only one over.
KKR locks the fourth and the last spot of the IPL 2021 playoffs which will be beginning from 10th October. They will be playing the eliminator against the Challengers on 11th October.
Watch the highlights of MI vs SRH, IPL 2021.
FOR MI: Beware of missing chances; otherwise it may be altogether too late some day.
Franz Liszt.
MI vs SRH: post match presentation.
Manish Pandey:
“It is a very hot date and it was really tough. I am struggling with my calf. However, this is probably the best surface we were playing on and we knew that Mumbai will come out all guns blazing. Our bowlers gave a few extra runs and that cost us. We won only three games and we had some changes in the side and that did not work for us either. We struggled in India and we played better in this game but we were lacking a complete team effort. The whole team has to perform at the highest level.”
Suryakumar Yadav:
“The show must go on and one must keep smiling. Having a clear mindset and having nothing to lose helped us a lot. The T20 world cup is coming up and I am keeping the routines and processes the same for that.”
Rohit Sharma:
“There is always an expectation from the franchise and we stand out due to what we have done in the past 5-6 years. I try to back the players but there are situations when you drop someone. It has been wonderful to be part of this franchise. We had the momentum when we won back-to-back games in India but we lost our form after coming here to the UAE but I am very happy to end with a win.”
“The fans have always supported us whether we play well or not and I hope that they are happy with what we did in the past 3-4 years. Ishan Kishan batted brilliantly and it was wonderful to watch him bat like this.”
Ishan Kishan:
“It was a good thing for me and the team that I played well and I am happy to be back in form before the world cups. I was very positive in the beginning as we were in a do-or-die situation. We did not hit many boundaries this season and my shot off Umran Malik stood out in this game. You have to be prepared for every circumstance and whenever an opportunity arises in IPL, we need to make use of it. I had a very good chat with Kohli and everyone supported me really well, I would love to open and Kohli has told me that I was picked as an opener but whenever I get to bat, I will perform.”
