Punjab Kings tamed Mumbai Indians by nine wickets on Friday, snapping their three-match losing streak in the IPL. Skipper KL Rahul’s strong half-century and a controlled bowling effort helped Punjab Kings tame Mumbai Indians by nine wickets and break their three-match losing streak in the IPL. Despite Rohit Sharma’s fine half-century (63 off 52) on a sticky pitch, the bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi (2/21 in 4) and Mohammad Shami (2/21 in 4), restricted Mumbai Indians to 131 for six. Despite Mumbai’s reputation for defending low totals, Punjab were clinical in the run chase, completing the task in 17.4 overs.
Rahul (60 not out off 52 balls) and Mayank Agarwal (25 off 20 balls) put together a 53-run stand before Chris Gayle came in to support the skipper (43 not out off 35).
Punjab won their second game in a row, while Mumbai dropped their third game in a row. After Agarwal’s dismissal, Mumbai were able to claw their way back into the game, but a fast start helped Rahul and Gayle to take their time in the middle overs before romping home.
The pair had an undefeated partnership of 79 runs. Rahul started by hitting Krunal Pandya for a couple of boundaries, and he did an excellent job as the anchor.
Gayle’s innings, which included five fours and two sixes, was equally significant in the run chase. Off Trent Boult, Rahul finished the game with a straight six and a four against third man.
After being put in to bat, Mumbai struggled to 21 for one in the first six overs, the lowest powerplay score this season.
The five-time champions’ ship was steadied by a 79-run stand between Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 27), but they could not find the finishing touch, scoring just 34 runs in the last five overs for the loss of four wickets.
Batsmen struggled to get moving early in the innings on a sluggish pitch, as has been the case so far at Chepauk. Quinton de Kock was caught at mid-on in the second over after mistiming a delivery from spinner Deepak Hooda. Suryakumar was replaced at number three by Ishan Kishan (6 off 17), but the southpaw struggled once more before being caught behind in Bishnoi’s first over, reducing the score to 26 for two in seven overs.
On the other hand, Rohit was able to keep the scoreboard ticking. In the 10th over, left-arm spinner Fabian Allen bowled Rohit a high full toss, which he dutifully dispatched over the cow corner for a six to relieve some pressure.
Batting immediately became much simpler after Suryakumar joined Rohit in the centre. Rohit, who was well-positioned, began playing the ball late and was adept at finding holes. Suryakumar, on the other hand, got into the swing of things with a four and a six off Arshdeep, the left-arm pacer.
Suryakumar’s partnership came to an end when he was trapped at short third man off Bishnoi’s bowling, leaving Mumbai at 105 for three with 23 balls remaining in the innings.
In the death overs, Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard were supposed to deliver some much-needed lusty punches, but Punjab were able to keep them quiet.