IPL back story: Batting heavy Bangalore run into MI’s masters of pace bowling
MI (bt SRH)
What went right: While Lasith Malinga’s return to wicket-taking form has been the main reason behind the smiles returning to the Mumbai Indians dug-out, Mitchell McClenaghan played an equally crucial role in his team’s impressive win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they defended a below-par total of 157, dismissing Shikhar Dhawan and Ravi Bopara. Mumbai’s bowling is bolstered by the inclusion of veteran Ben Hilfenhaus.
What went wrong: Once Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard were dismissed there was no firepower left in the Mumbai lower-order to power them forward. Ambati Rayudu continued to be the biggest flop of the season for the former champions.
RR (No result vs RCB)
What’s going wrong: Shane Watson’s captaincy. Steve Smith had a 4-0 win-loss record before his compatriot took over from him. Since, Rajasthan Royals have won one match, lost two and had two matches rained off. Watson has looked panicky at the helm, and as a result even his most dependable bowlers have suffered, like Pravin Tambe did against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
What went right: Tim Southee finally proved that he can be a menace with his swing even in these conditions. He first got rid of Chris Gayle in the first over with a full delivery, before getting rid of Virat Kohli with a delivery that would have made James Anderson proud—an out-swinger that pitched on fourth stump, and had the RCB captain caught behind off the outside-edge.
Conclusion
Mumbai have shown in past seasons that they can easily get on to a winning spree after a slow start to their campaign. But the Royals will be keen to avenge their infamous defeat to the home team last year, which knocked them out of playoff contention. Karun Nair certainly will be looking forward to bat again at the Wankhede, considering he scored a triple-ton—in the Ranji Trophy final—the last time he took guard here.
At home, Delhi will try to avoid another batting freeze
DD (lost to RCB)
What went wrong: Delhi didn’t reach three-figures. Only three of their batsmen got into double-figures. They lost all 10 wickets with eight balls still remaining in their innings. Their big-money buys, Yuvraj Singh—who was once again found wanting against pace and bounce, this time from Varun Aaron—and Angelo Mathews, lasted all of six balls and totalled two runs. Delhi showed just why they have been perennial wooden-spooners in the IPL with their bowlers failing to take a single wicket and stop RCB from chasing down their target with almost 10 overs to spare.
What went right: Nothing. Unless you want to be slightly compassionate and say Kedar Jadhav’s valiant 29-ball 33 to avoid an even more shambolic humiliation.
KXIP (lost to SRH)
What went wrong: Manan Vohra came in for Virender Sehwag and failed to provide Punjab with the kind of ferocious impetus that they brought into vogue last season. Murali Vijay once again failed to make the most of a start, getting run-out for 12.
What went right: Axar Patel and Wriddhiman Saha, two stars of the IPL 7 campaign, finally came to the party, even if only in vain. Patel was at his miserly best for a change, giving away only 25 runs in his four overs, and he also got rid of David Warner. Saha was the lone shining light in the batting department, keeping the game alive with a 33-ball 42.
Conclusion
On the basis of how DD played against RCB, it’s tough to not imagine them occupying bottom-place. That privilege though rests with KXIP, who have failed to deliver an encore after a stunning run last year. And both teams know a loss here could well bring a premature end to their playoff ambitions.
