IPL 2022: GT vs MI Review – Mumbai clinch the last-over thriller
After slipping to eight losses on the trot, the Mumbai Indians made it two in two as they defeated table-toppers Gujarat Titans by five runs in a nail-biter at the Brabourne Stadium on May 6.
Well-paced forties from openers Rohit Sharma (43 off 28) and Ishan Kishan (45 off 29) followed by Tim David’s unbeaten 21-ball 44 proved critical in MI managing a competitive 177/6 on the board. However, it was thanks to some crafty bowling by the Titans that they were kept down to that total after they looked set to post much more than that at one stage.
At his usual economic best, Rashid Khan picked two for 24 in his quota and was helped by Pradeep Sangwan, who returned with 1/23 in three overs. Lockie Ferguson and Alazarri Joseph were the others who struck, but the pace duo leaked 75 runs in their eight overs combined.
With the bat, GT openers Wriddhiman Saha (55 off 40) and Shubman Gill (52 off 36) easily outshone their rivals, adding a century stand, en route to which they both brought up their individual half-centuries, however, their dismissal in the same over by Murugan Ashwin swung the momentum in Mumbai’s favour.
Hardik Pandya (24 off 14) and Sai Sudharsan (19 off 14) threatened MI briefly in trying to bring their team back after a double blow, although the Titans batters kept finding ways to be dismissed, with Pandya dismissed run out and Sudharsan hit wicket.
Another fielding brilliance from Mumbai caught Titans’ ice-cool finisher Rahul Tewatia short of his ground, leaving David Miller to seal the game. Miller stood unbeaten on 19 off 14 but Daniel Sams successfully defended nine runs off the last over to seal a second win for his team in a forgettable season.
Top performers of the match
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan
It was difficult to separate the two openers who lit up the Brabourne Stadium with some brilliant ball-striking. Rohit slammed two sixes and five fours in his 28-ball 43 while Kishan’s 29-ball 45 had an equal number of fours and a solitary six. Their quickfire 74-run opening-wicket stand proved crucial in the context of the game.
Murugan Ashwin
While batters from both sides continued to make merry at the expense of the bowlers, Murugan Ashwin kept things tight, scalping two big guns in the same over before finishing 2/29. He sent back both half-centurions Gill and Saha to turn the tide in his team’s favour.
What next for the two teams?
Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders at DY Patil Stadium on May 9, while Gujarat Titans will be up against Lucknow Super Giants at Pune’s MCA Stadium on May 10.
