Abhishek and Klaasen from Sunrisers Hyderabad have contributed 40 and 37 runs respectively, while Mumbai Indians’ Jacks has taken 2 wickets for just 14 runs. The current score stands at 162 for 5.
In a potentially crucial decision, Mumbai Indians won the toss and took advantage of the possibility of dew. They were able to limit Sunrisers Hyderabad to 162 for 5 on an atypical slow surface at the Wankhede Stadium. MI’s bowlers effectively utilized variations in pace and frequently implemented the yorker to stifle SRH, despite a strong start from their openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. The late over surge from SRH, which added 21 runs each time, was the only reason they were able to surpass the 160 mark.
Two overs, specifically the 18th and 20th, were filled with five sixes courtesy of Deepak Chahar and Hardik Pandya. These were the sole big hits in SRH’s innings. The batsmen who stood out were Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verma, showcasing impressive power. Notably, three of the sixes were off full-toss deliveries.
Seven full-tosses were bowled in the last three overs, indicating a possible onset of dew which could benefit the chasing team’s batting performance.
One of Jasprit Bumrah’s challenging full-tosses resulted in a wicket, catching Klaasen off guard as he attempted to make some room. As expected, MI’s star player paved the way for them with his impressive 1 for 21 in four overs, two of which were during the powerplay.
The star bowler of the day was undoubtedly Will Jacks, who delivered an impressive performance with 2 for 14 in three overs. As an offspinner strategically placed in the match-up against SRH’s left-handed top three, Jacks demonstrated exceptional control and skill, securing the crucial wickets of Ishan Kishan and Head.
Not only did Jacks dominate his match-up, but he also gave MI some much-needed breathing room. This was especially important after their legspinner Karn Sharma sustained an injury in the third over of the match. In their previous game against Delhi Capitals, Karn had been the Player of the Match. However, this time he had to leave the field due to a split webbing from diving forward at midwicket to catch a ball that just evaded him. Thankfully, with Jacks stepping in for three overs, MI didn’t have to make any changes to their bowling lineup. This left them with the option of using Rohit Sharma as their Impact Player at the start of their chase. On top of that, Jacks’ overs also allowed MI to strategically use Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin for one over against a team with numerous left-handed batters.
The near-chance at midwicket marked the second instance in three overs where a ball fell short for Karn. The top order of SRH had faced tough luck in their recent four consecutive losses, but it took a turn in their last match against Punjab Kings thanks to Abhishek’s impressive century. Luck seemed to be on their side once again at the beginning of this game, as Jacks missed catching an edge from Abhishek on the first ball and later Head was caught off a no-ball.
Despite some good fortune, SRH’s scoring rate did not improve. After being caught off Hardik’s no-ball in the 10th over and scoring 24 runs from 24 deliveries, he was dismissed for 28 runs from 29 balls. Abhishek, on the other hand, had a slightly better performance with a more fluid style of play, hitting seven fours in his 40 runs from 28 balls.
In the eighth over, Hardik successfully ended the opening stand by getting Abhishek caught on the point boundary. This came after a moment of concern when he appeared to have injured either his left shin or ankle during his previous delivery. He signaled to the MI dugout for a substitute, but ultimately managed to shake it off and continue bowling.