[Watch] Hardik Pandya dismissed by slower delivery at crucial juncture of DC-MI IPL 2024 clash
Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya was finally into top gear after a torrid IPL 2024 campaign thus far in the all-important clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 27.
However, his vigil was cut short by a brilliant piece of deception from medium pacer Rasikh Salam. Chasing a massive 258 for victory, MI were three down with only 65 on the board after six overs.
Hardik, struggling for form, got into the groove right away and raced to 46 at a strike rate of 200. Yet, Rasikh Salam deceived the all-rounder with a lovely back-of-the-hand slower delivery, which the batter miscued toward point.
Mukesh Kumar completed a straightforward catch to send Hardik packing for a 24-ball 46.
Here is a video of Hardik Pandya's dismissal at a crucial stage of MI's run-chase:
Hardik Pandya's dismissal left MI at 136/3 in the 13th over, requiring a further 122 runs off 45 deliveries. Unfortunately, the five-time champions could not complete the run-chase and fell short by 10 runs.
It was Hardik's highest score of the IPL 2024 season and took his batting average to 24.62 at a strike rate of 151.53 in nine outings.
MI's tumultuous season continues with defeat to DC
MI continued their dismal 2024 IPL season with the defeat to DC, leaving them third from bottom on the standings.
The loss means MI is now in danger of missing the playoffs, with only three wins in nine games. It was also their second consecutive defeat after a hammering against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their previous encounter.
MI's bowlers were taken to the cleaners again, conceding a massive 257/4 to DC in their 20 overs. Despite the spirited run-chase, the visitors were always behind the eight-ball and ultimately fell short by a slim margin.
MI will now have to win all their remaining five games and hope for a few other results to go their way to qualify for the playoffs. They will look to avoid a third straight defeat in their next fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday, April 30.
Meanwhile, the win was DC's fourth in their last five outings, taking them to fifth on the points table.