IPL 2020, KXIP vs MI: Rohit Sharma & Kieron Pollard's explosive knocks helps MI beat KXIP by 48 runs
In the 13th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Mumbai Indians (MI) beat Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 48 runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard's explosive knocks helped MI set a target of 192 runs for the KXIP to chase. Hardik Pandya also played explosively against KXIP in the final overs of tonight's match. In tonight's match, Rohit Sharma becomes the third batsmen in IPL history to score 5000 runs.
KL Rahul won the toss and elected to field first, allowing Skipper Rohit Sharma's brilliant innings to start along with opener Quinton de Kock. However, Quinton de Kock lost his wicket without making any runs tonight. Rohit Sharma played explosive innings and made 70 runs off 45 balls. Suryakumar Yadav lost his wicket in runout and made only 10 runs. After the fall of Yadav's wicket, last match's super striker Ishan Kishan came to the crease but played slow innings of 28 runs off 32 balls. When Kieron Pollard came to the crease, he played fiery innings of 47 runs off 20 balls, aided by four 6s and three 4s. Hardik Pandya also supported the Pollard in the final overs as he made quick 30 runs off 11 balls. Sheldon Cottrell remained the most economical bowler in his spell against Mumbai Indians tonight while also taking a wicket. Mohammed Shami also remained successful in grabbing a wicket in tonight's match.
Kings XI Punjab had an average start with Skipper KL Rahul's slow innings. KL Rahul made just 17 runs off 19 balls, while this season's superstar Mayank Agarwal lost his wicket in the early making only 25 runs in tonight's match. Karun Nair lost his wicket without making any runs for the KXIP. Nicholas Pooran remained the solo fighter for the Punjab team with his brilliant knock of 44 runs off 27 balls. Glenn Maxwell was once again unsuccessful tonight as he got out making just 11 runs. Krishnappa Gowtham gave his best but couldn't save the sinking ship of KXIP. Gowtham made 22 runs off 13 balls in the final overs. Every bowler from the Mumbai Indians shined tonight with their dominating spells. Trent Boult and Krunal Pandya took 1 wicket each for the MI while James Pattinson, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rahul Chahar grabbed 2 wickets each in their spells. However, Jasprit Bumrah's spell remained the most economical one among the lot. Bumrah also remained successful tonight in conceiving 0 sixes.
Tonight's unsuccessful chase marks as Kings XI Punjab's 2nd consecutive defeat in the 13th edition of IPL. KXIP have to improve their gameplay in their next match if they want to survive in the points table. At present, KXIP stands at 6th position in the points table with only 2 points. Whereas, Defending Champions Mumbai Indians now stands at the top position in the points table with 4 points.
Mumbai Indians showed a classy performance tonight as both their batsmen and bowlers dominated the Kings XI Punjab in tonight's match. Right now, MI has to maintain its top position in the points table to remain the most deserving team in the 13th edition of the IPL.
