Ishan Kishan delivered a fantastic performance for the Mumbai Indians (MI), leaving fans stunned with his ability to emerge as a game-changer.
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Mumbai Indians (MI) batsman Ishan Kishan smashed the fastest half-century in the ongoing 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday. Kishan achieved the unique distinction while representing the defending champions in Match 55 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The swashbuckling batsman smashed the half-century off just 16 deliveries, leaving the SRH bowlers in a state of absolute terror with his attacking gameplay. Kishan is a game-changer to the core, and the same was certainly evident from his display in the crucial encounter, with the defending champions handed a stern margin of victory to qualify for the playoffs.
The MI batsman has further smashed the fastest half-century in the popular cash-rich league for an MI player. Kieron Pollard who registered a 17-ball 50 in an encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2016, has been pushed to the second position. Kishan was earlier placed on the second spot, following his 50 by the same margin as that of Pollard in an encounter against KKR back in 2018.
MI skipper Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to bat in the ongoing encounter against SRH. Rohit winning the toss was certainly a boost to the hopes of fans of the defending champions, with the team still in the running for a spot in the playoffs. However, the margin of triumph expected and the runs to be accumulated are certainly quite a challenge even for the greatest of teams. MI need to record a triumph by a margin of 171 runs. They further need to bowl out SRH for a score that is less than 100, even in case the defending champions post a mammoth total in excess of 250 runs on the board.
Rohit certainly accepted that the odds were against his side, but refused to rule out a historic triumph.
“We are going to bat first, no choice (smiles). The numbers are pretty scary, but we are going to give it all. Let’s hope we can come out and do what we love to do. It’s important to enjoy the game as well. It’s been an on and off season for us. This is a great opportunity for us to do something that’s never been done before. Our batters have’t come collectively and performed as a team in the UAE leg. But these guys have done exceedingly well for respective teams. Just can happen. Two changes. Getting Krunal back and Piyush Chawla back. No Tiwary and Jayant Yadav,” he stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.
SRH are being led by Manish Pandey, who is leading a franchise in the popular tournament for the first time.
“My first game as IPL captain. Last minute call. Kane had a niggle on his elbow, Bhuvi has a niggle too. We would have batted first too. We will look to bowl first and look to give Bombay little chance. I know they are going to come all guns blazing but we are ready,” said Manish.
