Pocket-sized dynamo Ishan Kishan exploded, coupled with pyrotechnics of Hardik Pandya in the death overs propelled Mumbai Indians to amass 200 for 5 against Delhi Capitals in the first qualifier of the Dream11 Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
The sensational batting performance of Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav — both of them hammered powerful half-centuries – and Hardik Pandya helped the defending champions reach 200-run mark.
Hardik displayed a fiery cameo with a blistering 37 not out off just 14 balls. Diminutive Kishan turned out to be the top-scorer with an unbeaten 55 runs off only 30 balls. The in-form southpaw bludgeoned four boundaries and three massive sixes.
Hardik dealt with only sixes during his short but explosive burst of 14 deliveries. The dashing batsman walloped five sixes to give the innings a perfect finish.
Suryakumar Yadav (51: 38 balls, 6×4, 2×6) continued his dream form to notch up his fourth fifty of the season. The No. 3 batsman completed his half-century with a glorious on-drive which raced to the midwicket fence off Anrich Nortje. However, the paceman has his reward soon as Yadav was caught at the fine leg while trying to his a big one.
For DC, Ashwin was among wickets as he returned with the figures of 3 for 29 in his four-over spell. Marcus Stoinis and Nortje took a wicket each.
Earlier, DC captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to bowl first. DC are playing the same eleven while MI have made three changes to the side. Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya are back for James Pattinson, Dhawal Kulkarni and Saurabh Tiwary.
DC ended their 4-match losing streak by defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last league outing to finish second on Monday.
On the other hand, holders MI are coming into the contest with a loss as they were beaten by Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 wickets on Tuesday.
Brief scores
Mumbai Indians 200 for 5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 55 not out, Suryakumar Yadav 51, Quinton de Kock 40, Hardik Pandya 37 not out, Krunal Pandya 13; Ravichandran Ashwin 3-29, Marcus Stoinis 1-5, Anrich Nortje 1-50) vs Delhi Capitals.
Courtesy: orangecitysports.com
