IPL 2018: Match 34, KXIP v MI: Mumbai Indians Stays Alive After Six-Wicket Win Over Punjab in Indore

It was a brilliant performance by the Mumbai Indians, as they kept their hopes alive in Vivo IPL 11 by registering a six-wicket victory against the Kings XI Punjab at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Krunal Pandya smashed a sensational unbeaten 31 off just 12 deliveries which were studded with four fours and a couple of sixes. He was on song from the outset and helped Mumbai win by six wickets in the end. Suryakumar Yadav played the role of a sheet anchor and scored 57 off 42 deliveries.

Early in the day, Kings XI Punjab scored a competitive 174 in their allotted 20 overs. The big man from Jamaica, Chris Gayle scored yet another half-century and was the top scorer for Punjab.

However, the impetus was provided by Marcus Stoinis, as he smashed 21 off Hardik Pandya in the final over of the innings. But it didn’t quite prove enough in the end.

Mumbai Indians kept their hopes alive in Vivo IPL 11 by registering a convincing victory with an over to spare. It was a brilliant unbeaten knock of 31 off 12 deliveries from Krunal Pandya which eventually helped Mumbai chase down the total of 175 on the final delivery of the 19^th over. Suryakumar Yadav was the top scorer for Mumbai with a brilliant 57 off 42 balls.

Earlier, it was a well-composed half-century by Chris Gayle which propelled Punjab to a score of 174 in their allotted 20 overs. Marcus Stoinis played a brilliant cameo in the end which was decisive in helping Punjab get to 174.

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Again, Mumbai Indians skipper, Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field. Chris Gayle and KL Rahul again began in a rollicking fashion. KL Rahul struck some gorgeous shots to start with. The extra cover six of the bowling was Jasprit Bumrah was quite spectacular. After a 54 runs partnership, Rahul eventually got dismissed by Mayank Markande.

It was a somewhat loose delivery, but Rahul found JP Duminy to perfection in the deep.

Ben Cutting dismissed Chris Gayle in his very first over. The southpaw wasn’t at his usual best and ended up scoring 50 off 40 deliveries. Karun Nair scored a quickfire 23 off 12 deliveries which included some exceptional shots. Marcus Stoinis provided the much-needed late impetus with a score of 29. His innings studded with a couple of fours and as many sixes.

Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Mumbai bowlers. Despite bagging just a solitary wicket, he was very economical giving away only 19 runs. Markande and Ben Cutting also bagged a wicket each.

Mumbai required a win quite badly, so Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis began well. Surya, in particular, continued his rich vein of form.

He smashed some exceptional shots in what was another spectacular innings from the Mumbaikar. The run rate wasn’t too great but the wickets needed to be there. Mujeeb-ur Rahman dismissed Evin Lewis in his very first over.

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Surya, on the other hand, kept playing some impressive shots. He scored 57 off just 42 balls which were studded with six fours and three sixes. Ishan Kishan struck a couple of lusty blows but was dismissed after making 25. He was castled by Mujeeb as the southpaw kept dancing down the track and missed the ball completely.

Rohit Sharma and Krunal Pandya were the standout performers in the end, as the duo shared a brilliant 46-run stand in just 21 deliveries.

Krunal Pandya was at his prolific best and started off with a fluent flick. It was a brilliant shot, and he just gained momentum from there on. Rohit was simply superb too and smashed Mujeeeb for a couple of sixes in the 18^th over when it mattered the most.

The win will be a huge morale booster for Mumbai. They needed the win badly to keep their hopes alive, and they did that to perfection. Mumbai will take confidence and look to win the next two upcoming games both against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Brief Scores

Kings XI Punjab 174/6 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 50, Jasprit Bumrah 1/19)

Mumbai Indians 176/4 in 19 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 57, Krunal Pandya 31*Mujeeb-ur-Rahman 2/37)

Mumbai Indians won by six wickets (with an over to spare)

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