On this day in 2020: Mumbai Indians defeat Delhi to win their record 5th IPL title
The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League had a few things unique about it. Firstly, it was the first season that happened post the pandemic. Secondly, this was only the second time that a season was entirely held on overseas shore. On top of that, it was also the second time since 2009 when an IPL final took place at a foreign location, with the Dubai International Cricket Stadium being the venue. It was also the first time that a final was happening in the month of November.
Having revamped their identity a year prior, Delhi Capitals qualified for the final for the first time in their history. They faced the mighty Mumbai Indians, who by then were not unfamiliar with the pressure of a final. Rohit Sharma’s team had finished first in the league phase with nine wins while Delhi had won eight games, holding the second position. Hence, there was no doubt that the two best teams had made it to the summit clash.
Incredible squad. Incredible season. Incredible memories!💙#OnThisDay in 2020, we became the #IPL 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝟱 for a record FIFTH time! 🔥😎#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/Np9PWPewbp
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 10, 2021
Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first. Inside the powerplay, Delhi were rocked back as they lost three wickets upfront, one being that of their leading run-getter Shikhar Dhawan. Iyer along with Rishabh Pant brought them back in the game. Their stand of 96 runs, which came in 11.3 overs, gave some hope to the Delhi fans.
However, when Pant fell for his 38-ball 56, the match tilted in favour of Mumbai. Iyer was unbeaten on 65 runs from 50 balls as his team finished on 156 for 7. Trent Boult with figures of 3 for 30 was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai along with Nathan Coulter Nile who had figures of 2 for 29.
To chase down the total and create history, Mumbai just needed a good start and a few stable knocks. They got it through their skipper, who was carrying an injury but managed 68 runs from 51 balls. Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav supported him well with their contributions of 20 and 19 respectively while Ishan Kishan finished the job with his unbeaten 19-ball 33. Mumbai got to the total in 18.4 overs with five wickets in hand.
In the end, the experience of keeping calm in a final benefitted Mumbai as they sailed to their fifth IPL title and second consecutive one, having previously won the title in 2019. Mumbai couldn’t get a hat-trick of titles but continue to hold the record of most title wins. Chennai Super Kings, with four titles, are second on that list. But, November 10, 2020, will be remembered as a historic day for the Mumbai Indians franchise. It happened on this day, a year ago.
