IPL 2019: Three talking points from MI’s clinical win over DC
Mumbai Indians rose to the second place in the points table after a clinical victory over Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi. Rohit Sharma’s team managed to defend their first innings total of 168 runs comfortably. Delhi Capitals faced another capitulation from their middle order and ended up 40 runs short of the target.
Choosing to bat first, Mumbai Indians began cautiously. At the 15-over mark, they had only 105 runs on the board. It was their talisman, Hardik Pandya, who carried the team past 150 and eventually got them to 168/5. Jasprit Bumrah and MI spinners used the track to perfection and choked DC batting lineup. With this win, MI broke Delhi Capitals’ three-match winning streak. Here are three talking points from yesterday’s clash.
Pandya Brothers come to the party
Hardik Pandya was already enjoying an incredible season but his elder brother Krunal Pandya seemed to be struggling in the field. While Krunal’s performance with the ball was acceptable, his batting was proving to be detrimental in MI’s cause. His knocks of 11(21) versus RCB and 6(13) against SRH worsened team’s situation in the game.
However, yesterday against Delhi Capitals, Krunal got back on the track with his brother accompanying him. Playing the finisher’s role, Hardik scored 32(15) with three sixes while Krunal finished with 37 from 26 balls. Pandya brothers together added 54 runs from 26 balls.
Delhi’s Kotla woes
In the IPL, each team plays seven matches home, seven matches away. The teams try to target maximum wins in their own den and then pick up points on the road. Some of the teams are formidable at their home ground, and some are not. Delhi Capitals are not.
Thus far, DC have played four matches at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, and they have lost in three. Their only home win came in a super over against Kolkata Knight Riders. Coach Ricky Ponting had raised concerns over the pitch quality provided to the home team. The management together will have to find a way out.
Rahul Chahar shines for MI
The 19-year old leg spinner from Rajasthan was a part of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018 but did not play a single game. This season, he made his debut in the blue jersey against Chennai Super Kings. In the next five matches, Chahar did not impress with his returns but he dazzled against DC yesterday.
Bowling in the powerplay, Chahar conceded 10 runs in his first over. He returned in the 7th over and dismissed Shikhar Dhawan on the third ball. The leggie then accounted for Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer to finish his spell with three scalps. While picking three major wickets, Chahar conceded only 19 runs in his four overs and helped MI get a stronghold on the match.
