IPL 6: MI v/s SRH - Heroes of the Match

The Wankhede pitch has played true to its reputation. Mumbai Indians had to chase at their home ground for the first time this season. Bowlers from both sides were completely taken out of the equation as the game turned into an all-out slugfest. And in the end, MI’s bastion remained unconquered, as the Sunrisers crashed to a 7-wicket defeat.

Here are the Heroes of tonight’s game:

Shikhar Dhawan (59 runs off 41 balls; 6 fours, 2 sixes)

Delhi lad Shikhar Dhawan delivered a wonderful performance tonight. He hit the bowlers all over the park, making a mockery of the home team’s attack. The southpaw was in such excellent form that everything he hit either rolled up against the fence or went over it. Of particular interest was his reverse sweep off former Deccan Chargers teammate Pragyan Ojha – it was a shot played by a man in form. His knock laid the foundation for the eventual assault by Cameron White. A pity that he ended up on the losing side despite a valiant innings.

Cameron White (43 n.o. off 23 balls; 3 fours, 3 sixes)

With a strong base laid by the openers and young Hanuma Vihari looking in ominous touch, the stage was set for the SRH skipper to  go hammer-and-tongs on a surprisingly wayward MI attack. Fellow countryman Mitchell Johnson bore the brunt of his assault, with the Victorian hammering him for a four and a six, before blasting away at both Ojha and Dhawal Kulkarni. He ended the innings in grand style with a huge hit off Kulkarni into the stands. And it still wasn’t enough.

Hanuma Vihari (41 runs off 37 balls; 4 fours)

The young all-rounder is proving to be one of the finds of this season’s IPL. He had absolutely no qualms in facing hostile pace or mesmerizing spin, proving to be equally adept at scoring off both. His innings of 41 was one of both caution mixed with aggression, showing that he has a calm mind and can assess situations quickly. Definitely a future India prospect!

Parthiv Patel (26 runs off 14 balls; 5 fours)

Gujarat wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel has combined well with Shikhar Dhawan at the top for SRH this season. He set the ball rolling by thrashing the off-colour Johnson for 4 fours in the first over of Hyderabad’s innings. Since he was axed from the national side, the southpaw has been among the runs for both his state as well as for his franchise, and is a very good choice at the top of the order. He needs to convert his quick starts into bigger scores – that would serve his team better than the short, breezy innings he’s known for.

Kieron Pollard (66 n.o. off 27 balls; 2 fours, 8 sixes)

Now that’s a great way to celebrate your 26th birthday – well, the day after, anyway! The big Trinidadian delivered right when MI looked in danger of tarnishing their perfect all-win home record. He dealt with the SRH bowlers the only way he knows – hit them hard and hit them long. 8 of the most powerful hits in this year’s IPL flew off his blade as both spin and seam fell before his uninhibited savagery. Bangalore has the Gayle Storm – Mumbai has Hurricane Pollard! His efforts saw Mumbai reach the target in typical Calypso style!