Low scoring games often turn out to be more exciting and that’s what happened at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore after the Royal Challengers Bangalore put on just 142 in the first innings.
After much criticism about the way he handled the off-field dynamics during the Australia series and a shoulder injury forcing him out of the last test and first 3 IPL games, Virat Kohl stood tall in the RCB batting line-up. He top scored with 62 off 47 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes.
Both Gayle and AB de Villiers struggled against the Mumbai spin and couldn’t get into their own. The RCB middle order too couldn’t get going and they ended up with 142 of their 20 overs - a below par score if you look at the mammoth targets the Chinnaswamy has produced.
Mumbai Indians had a nightmare powerplay with Samuel Badree’s hat-trick paralyzing the run flow. Stuart Binny removed Jos Buttler early and Badree landed a triple blow by getting rid of Parthiv Patel, McClenaghan and Rohit Sharma of consecutive deliveries. Mumbai were 7 for 4 when Pollard walked in.
From sticking around and playing a sensible game to keep wickets in the bag, Kieron Pollard (70 off 47 balls) exploded late in the innings. With Krunal Pandya playing a steady knock at the other end, Pollard made sure he doesn’t give it away too soon. He controlled his instincts and stepped on the gas when needed.
MI were reeling at 36-5 at the end of 8 overs, before the mighty West Indian steered the ship. Thanks to Pollard’s 5 sixes and 3 fours, MI scored 63 in the last 6 overs.
It was a rare display of calm and temperament from Pollard that helped the Mumbai Indians beat the Royal Challengers by 4 wickets. After a shaky start to the IPL and serious form concerns for the experienced players, the Mumbai franchise has moved up the table. Their next encounter is at home against the Gujarat Lions and they’ll start as favourites, given Gujarat’s poor run this year
Share
Tweet
