Champion chasers: First IPL team to chase 200-plus targets in successive games
Chasing a mammoth target is never easy in any format. Especially, in the limited overs format, the pressure of the required run rate, falling of wickets, and the quality of the opposition’s bowlers make lives difficult for the chasing sides. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), the most successful franchise with five titles, Mumbai Indians (MI) recently created a record of chasing a target of above 200 not just once but twice in consecutive games.
MI achieved the feat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in back-to back-matches in the ongoing edition of the IPL. Rohit Sharma’s side chased down both targets with ease on the back of some solid and high-quality individual performances.
In Match No. 42, RR skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the limelight with his spectacular century while opening the innings. The left-handed batter struck 124 off just 62 with the help of 16 fours and eight maximums.
Courtesy of his knock, RR posted a huge total of 212/7 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, captain Rohit Sharma went cheaply for just three while wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan scored 28. Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav played valuable innings of 44 and 55 runs respectively.
Tilak Varma struck an unbeaten 29 and with 17 runs needed off the final over, Tim David smashed three sixes off the first three deliveries against Jason Holder to seal an emphatic win for MI. David scored 45* off just 14 as the home side won the contest by six wickets. They also became the first-ever team to chase down a target of above 200 at the venue in the IPL.
In their next game against PBKS in Mohali, they fielded first again, and the home team posted 214/3 on the board. Liam Livingstone slammed 82* off 42 while Jitesh Sharma hit 49* off 27. Jofra Archer had a forgettable outing as he gave away 56 runs for zero wickets in his four-over spell.
Chasing 215, Rohit again went early as he bagged a duck. Cameron Green amassed 23 but Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav came to the party. Ishan hammered 75 off 41 with Suryakumar scoring 66 off just 31. Tilak and Tim again remained unbeaten on 26 and 19 runs respectively as MI completed their chase in 18.5 overs with six wickets in hand.
