IPL 2021: MI beat SRH by 13 runs, subject latter to further embarrassment

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) have now lost their opening three league matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. This marks the first ever instance of the Hyderabad-based franchise recording such an embarrasing record, in the history of the cash-rich league. However, their performances have been patchy which defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) took full advantage of, recording a triumph by 13 runs.

The toss has been an important factor in deciding the outcome of the result at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. Rohit Sharma won the toss in this encounter and opted to bat.

Rohit and Quinton De Kock led MI to a steady start, by the end of the powerplay. The Mumbai-based franchise was comfortably placed at 53 with both the openers still at the crease. Then came a surprise bowling change, with Vijay Shankar introduced into the attack for the first time in the ongoing edition. Shankar got rid of Rohit off just his third ball and soon after in his next over, got rid of the dangerous Surya Kumar Yadav who was looking to steer the innings.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman who was making his debut for SRH, got them an important breakthrough by dismissing De Kock in his first over. In his next over, he got rid of the dangerous Ishan Kishan thanks to a superb catch by Jonny Bairstow.

MI scrambled to 150 in their 20 overs, following a fine cameo by all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who smashed the longest six so far in IPL 2021.

The Chase

The deadly opening pair of Bairstow and David Warner was back after Saha opened the innings for the first two matches. As expected SRH got off to a flying start, with Bairstow in red hot form smashing the balls out of the park.

Bairstow and Warner smashed the MI bowlers, with SRH reaching a score of 67 by the end of the powerplay. However, MI got a lucky breakthrough. Bairstow who was in such good form was sent back to the pavilion due to a freak hit wicket dismissal. It was a massive blow considering he and Warner were smashing the ball to all parts of the park.

The middle-order has been a concern for quite a while now. However, they failed to deliver again. Except for Vijay Shankar who contributed 28 runs, all other batsmen just could not get going. SRH fell short by 13 runs in the end when they were looking good.

After an impressive opening stand, SRH just couldn’t see it off. Another poor batting performance will cause worry to the SRH camp. Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals on 20^th April, and SunRisers Hyderabad will go head to head against Punjab Kings on 21^st April.