IPL 2018, KXIP vs MI: Hits and Misses
It was Indore's first game of IPL 2018 (Kings XI Punjab’s home for the rest of the season). Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to field first. KXIP once again had a good start as KL Rahul and Chris Gayle shared a solid 54-run opening stand. However, none of the other batsmen converted their good starts.
In reply, after sitting out from injury, Evin Lewis struggled in his 13-ball stay at the crease but his opening partner Suryakumar Yadav made a very good 57 and put the MI chase back on track. But KXIP bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals to put the pressure back on the visitors.
With 55 needed in less than 5 overs, Krunal Pandya walked in and calmly finished off the run-chase as he struck a 12-ball 31. Rohit Sharma played a good hand as well towards the end of the innings and helped Mumbai register their third win of the season.
#5 Hit: Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has become India’s premier fast bowler across formats in the last few years. His performances in this season haven’t been stand-out but he has been quite consistent. Before the game, Bumrah had taken 9 wickets from 8 matches.
In this game, Bumrah bowled the second over of the innings and conceded a six off his first delivery. However, he then came back well and then gave just one run in the next five deliveries. The Gujarat pacer then conceded just 4 runs (four singles). Bumrah was superb his last two overs.
At the death, Bumrah was superb as he conceded just 8 runs and picked up the wicket of Axar Patel. Hence, he finished with figures of 1/19 and played a big part in keeping the KXIP batsmen in check.