Yesterday’s match was an epic match. The match was played at Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bat first. Mumbai Indians innings had an ordinary start. Finch had a pain on legs while bowling to Binny in 4th over of the innings. Finch retired hurt on 10 runs. They lost 3 early wickets for 45 runs in the span of 9.5 overs except Finch’s injury. Mumbai Indians innings was reduced to 45 for 3 in 9.5 overs. They started slowly & the scoreboard is kept moving. Anderson scored a brisk 50 off 38 balls & tried to crush the Rajasthan bowling attack. Mumbai Indians was comfortably placed 149 for 3 in 18.5 overs. The 104 run-stand between Anderson & Pollard in 54 balls increased the run-rate. This was the highest partnership in Mumbai Indians innings. They lost 2 wickets Pollard & Anderson in quick succession. Pollard scored a huge 70 off 34 balls & destroyed the Rajasthan bowlers. This was Pollard’s highest score of his IPL career behind 78 against Sunrisers in 2014. This was the highest score in Mumbai innings. Rajasthan Royals bowlers bowled very well in first 10 overs & bowled fire in death overs. Mumbai Indians final total was 164 for 5 in 20 overs. This was Mumbai’s 2nd highest total at this ground behind 178 runs also against Rajasthan Royals in 2014.
Rajasthan Royals had a solid start. They lost Samson early in 5th over of the innings. Rahane scored a quickfire 46 off 39 balls & tried to steady the Rajasthan Royals innings. Chand dropped Rahane at the very middle stages of Rajasthan Royals innings when Rahane was on 40. It was not a costly miss as Rahane could score only 46 runs. Rajasthan Royals was comfortably placed 92 for 1 in 13 overs. The 64 run-stand between Rahane & Steven Smith in 52 balls was much responsible for Rajasthan Royals innings & it looked Rajasthan will win comfortably. This was the highest partnership in Rajasthan Royals innings. They lost 2 wickets Rahane & Hooda in quick succession. Steven Smith scored a fine 79 off 53 balls & attacked the Mumbai bowlers. This was Smith’s highest score in T20 cricket beating 65 for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers in 2014. This was Smith’s also highest score by Rajasthan Royals captain in IPL beating Rahul Dravid’s 65 against Delhi Daredevils in 2013. This was the highest score in Rajasthan innings. The 52 run-stand between Steven Smith & Faulkner in 26 balls was crucial. Mumbai Indians bowlers sprayed all over the field throughout the innings. Rajasthan Royals final total was 165 for 3 in 19.1 overs. Faulkner hit the winning run & Rajasthan won comfortably. This was the highest 2nd innings total by a team at this ground beating 160 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders against Rajasthan Royals in 2014. Both the times failed to successful run-chase at this ground. Rajasthan Royals won the match by 7 wickets. Rajasthan’s consecutive wins in first 3 matches of IPL & happened first time in IPL history.
Now, Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at ACA-VCDA Stadium on 16th April. Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium on 17th April.
Surely will be back with update of today’s match between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils.
Bye till tomorrow.
Ishan Singh's Blog 