IPL 2018, KXIP vs MI: 3 masterstrokes from the game

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Kings XI Punjab clashed against Mumbai Indians at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field first. Kings XI Punjab put up a fighting total of 174/6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to 50 from Chris Gayle and late order cameos from Karun Nair (23) and Marcus Stoinis (29).

In reply, Mumbai Indians chased the target with an over to spare to register a comprehensive win. This was a do-or-die game for Mumbai and this win keeps their hopes alive in this season.

In a game that ebbed and flowed let us look at 3 masterstrokes of this match.

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#3 Winning the toss and opting to bowl first

Both the sides clashed at the same venue in the previous season (2017) and it was a high scoring venture. Batting first, Kings put up a daunting score of 198 to which Mumbai Indians chased the target in just under 16 overs. Hence Rohit Sharma had no hesitation in opting to field first this time.

This decision turned out to be a masterstroke as the Mumbai bowlers bowled with tight line and lengths and didn’t let the Punjab batsman get away. With the start, Kings XI had they were well on their way to a score of above 180 but some tight bowling and wickets at regular intervals, the run rate was kept in check and Punjab ended with 174/6 in their allocated 20 overs.

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