Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 9 runs in the 33rd Indian Premier League (IPL) game on Thursday. The match’s momentum drastically changed after crucial innings from Ashutosh Sharma (61 off 28) and Shashank Singh (41 off 25), even though MI had briefly looked to be in total control of the game.
After struggling at 77 for 6, Punjab Kings turned things around and needed just 12 runs to win in the last over. Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians‘ new captain, struggled to coordinate with the bowler and modify field placements as the pressure mounted. Rohit Sharma took command at this critical juncture and led his team to victory.
Madhwal banks on Rohit more than Hardik
Pandya chose Akash Madhwal to bowl the last over when Kagiso Rabada and Harshal Patel had PBKS at 181 for 9. But Akash seemed unsure of the field setting. He and Pandya had a long conversation. At this point, Rohit interrupted the discussion to provide his input on the field placements, displaying his astute strategic thinking. After hearing from the former MI captain, Madhwal asked set the field in accordance with Rohit’s plan, ignoring Hardik Pandya altogether.
Madhwal signaled a clear intention to deny Rabada any scoring opportunities by starting the final over with a wide outside the off stump after conferring with Rohit and Hardik. The subsequent delivery, a second wide yorker, validated this tactic. In an attempt to maintain strike, Rabada tried to drive towards covers in hopes of scoring two runs. However, Mohammad Nabi’s superb fielding from the boundary produced a quick throw to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, catching Rabada short of his crease. MI won by nine runs courtesy of the run-out.
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