Mumbai Indians got back to winning ways in IPL 2021 with a convincing win by seven wickets against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. The big victory helped Mumbai Indians to remain in the top four and improve net run rate, while Royals continue to struggle with only two wins in six games.
After being told to bat first, Rajasthan started the match in fine fashion with both the Buttler and Yashaswi Jaiswal scoring freely in the first seven overs. After the departure of both openers, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube played decent knocks and stitched a half-century partnership, but Rajasthan never looked like taking the game by the scruff of the neck even after having wickets in hands.
Rajasthan ended up with 171 runs on a good Delhi wicket, which was probably 20 runs short of a very good score. Mumbai Indians looked like their old selves after dominating the game in the death overs with both Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult not allowing the Royals to take them on even after having wickets in hands.
Mumbai Indians started the chase cautiously and went all out on the attack in the last 3 overs of the powerplay. Quinton de Kock who was struggling in IPL 2021 until now found his mojo back by playing a match-winning knock of 70 runs. The South African batsman stayed until the end with Kieron Pollard playing a little cameo to finish the game with nine balls still to spare
Krunal Pandya also repaid the faith of the management and the captain after being promoted to number four by scoring a quickfire 39. Mumbai Indians can build on this win to go on a run. Rajasthan Royals will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face another struggling side, Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 2.
Scorecard
Rajasthan Royals: 171/4 (Sanju Samson 42(27), Jos Buttler 41(32), Rahul Chahar 2/33, Jasprit Bumrah 1/15)
Mumbai Indians: 172/3 (Quinton De Kock 70(50), Krunal Pandya 39(26), Chris Morris 2/33 Mustafizur Rahman 1/37)