IPL 2021: Defending champions MI thrash SRH by 42 runs to bow out on a high

While Manish Pandey, who had to bat through cramps, scored a fine half-century on captaincy debut, MI restricted SRH to 193/8.

Manish Pandey delivered a fine performance but it was not enough to ensure a win. (Image Credit: Twitter/@IPL)
By Arnab Mukherji | Oct 9, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) did not manage to qualify for the playoffs of the ongoing 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. However, they certainly departed the season with their heads held high, following a triumph by a margin of 42 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The bowlers delivered a tidy performance having been handed an astounding total of 235 runs to defend. Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Neesham accounted for two dismissals apiece, to help restrict the Hyderabad-based franchise to a total of 193 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

Skipper Manish Pandey remained unbeaten for SRH while batting through cramps, having smashed 69 runs off 41 deliveries. Pandey’s knock comprised of seven boundaries and two sixes. Opener Jason Roy provided quality support, accumulating 34 runs from 21 balls in a knock which included six fours.

“It was really hot, and it was an intense 20 overs. My calves are a bit cramped. I think the surface was the best of the tournament. We knew MI would come hard at us and they did. Our fast bowlers gave away a few extra runs that cost us in the end, but this was the best pitch of the tournament. We had a lot of changes in the side, that didn’t work for us. We were struggling in the first few games too, and had to pull ourselves up in the second leg but the whole team didn’t put in complete performances, despite some really good individual performances,” said Pandey as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav combine to help defending champions post sensational total

MI batsmen Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav stepped up when the defending champions needed heroes. The Mumbai-based franchise delivered a sensational performance after opting to bat having won the toss. Kishan provided the perfect start for MI, smashing 84 runs off 32 deliveries in an innings comprising of 11 boundaries and four sixes. Suryakumar delivered a fantastic finish down the order, accumulating 82 runs from 40 balls. The knock included thirteen fours and three maximums. MI posted a total of 235 runs for the loss of nine wickets, which is historic for many reasons.

“I think the intent was clear for us. We knew we needed to score somewhere around 250 to get them out for 70 odd. Plan was simple. Executed with the bat, now it’s time to go and bowl well. Just go in and play shots, can’t play a selfish game there. That was the thought process. Cricket is a very funny game. Anything can happen. It’s a big difference when you open and bat two down. The intent was clear. Just watch the ball and have options open and play. I can play everywhere. It was just about giving time for 2-3 balls and again watch the ball and play my game. When you go in with a positive mind anything is possible. It was holding a bit when Rashid was bowling, but overall the wicket is good,” said Kishan as quoted by Cricbuzz.





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