IPL 2019, MI vs RCB: Bumrah's Mumbai Indians prevail over Cheeku Bhaiya's RCB again
The day that witnessed the announcement of the Indian World Cup squad was in for some cricketing action in the latter half. The coureur de tête of the Indian side was all set to take on his deputy's troops at the Wankhede in IPL 2019, perfectly setting up the second day of the Rivalry Week.
The contrasting mannerisms of the head honchos, the brouhaha around the Virat Kohli vs Jasprit Bumrah face-off, and the no-ball controversy of the previous game, made the clash mouth-watering in all respects.
Unlike the last time, this one saw the home side dominate the proceedings in all departments. Cricket enthusiasts were denied a second opportunity to witness the world's best batsman take on the world's best bowler, as Kohli slashed Jason Behrendorff's delivery into the keeper's gloves in the third over.
Nonetheless, Bumrah exhibited his class for the umpteenth occasion, as he bowled nine consecutive dot deliveries before conceding any run. Though the speedster could not register any scalps in this clash, he played a pivotal role in averting the threat from AB de Villiers.
This time round, it was his mentor Lasith Malinga who showed off a few tricks to keep the batsmen under control. Despite fighting 50s from De Villiers and Moeen Ali, RCB could manage just 171/7 in their 20 overs.
Mumbai Indians got off to a contrasting start, as they registered their best performance in the powerplay in the season. Ali's inroads into the MI lineup were well exploited by Yuzvendra Chahal, who claimed the scalps of the middle order batsmen, before Hardik Pandya decided to take matters in his own hands.
With 30 required off the last 2 overs and Hardik on strike, skipper Kohli gave the ball to Pawan Negi, which brought a blast from the past. In 2015, a similar equation involving the same players had taken center-stage, when MS Dhoni entrusted the responsibility for Chennai Super Kings to Negi at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, Pandya unleashed himself on Negi, to take the Mumbai Indians home.
What changed this time around for Negi were only the team and the ground, as the 25-year old dasher smashed him all around the park yet again to hand Mumbai Indians their fifth win of the season.
Given the current situation of the IPL points table, it seems highly improbable for the sides to clash again this season. Thus, having grabbed both the games of the rivalry this season, it seems that Mumbai Indians have executed a victorious conquest against RCB.
Having taken into cognizance the prowess of the Run Machine, Bumrah has prevailed this time, going 2-0 up on Cheeku Bhaiya.