Achi news desk-
Ashutosh unleashed a barrage of sixes during his 28-ball innings, propelling Punjab from a precarious position to within striking distance of the target. However, his dismissal in the 18th over shifted the momentum back in favor of Mumbai Indians.
Despite starting their chase on 17/4, Punjab roared back into contention thanks to Ashutosh and Shashank Singh (41 off 25), but ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 183 in 19.1 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav Was the star performer with the bat for Mumbai Indians, scoring 78 to guide them to 192 for seven.
It marked Mumbai’s third win in seven games, while Punjab’s struggles continued with their fifth loss in seven games.
Despite an early burst of four goals from Pacers Jasprit Bumrah (3/21) and Gerald Coetzee (3/32), MI again paid a heavy price for being regular with the ball. Akash Madhwal gave 46 for 1 in his 3.1 overs.
Ashutosh produced a breathtaking knock, hitting seven sixes and two fours after Shashank’s counter-attack got Punjab back on track after early wickets.
Right-hander Shashank hit each of his three sixes in leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (1/26).
Ashutosh was talented with his batting especially on the leg side.
Harprit Brar proved he was no mug with the bat either, as the left-hander unleashed towering hits in his vital 20-ball 21 with two fours and a six. At the top of the order, Prabsimran Singh’s (0) poor run continued as the right-hander bowled one behind to be caught by a diving Ishan Kishan as Coetzee redeemed himself after a poor start with the ball.
Bumrah put Mumbai Indians in complete command with a twin in his opener.
In his fourth delivery, the pacer fired a brutal in-swing yorker, leaving Riley Rosseau (0) almost reeling with off-stump and his middle dislodged.
Later in the final, a smart review against a wide call in the box resulted in Boomerah tipping his second goal after an innocent delivery.
Shot down leg, this ball kissed the bat of Sam Curran (6) before settling into the glove of Ishan Kishan, which was confirmed by the DRS review.
Coetzee then heaped more misery on the errant Punjab when he bowled Liam Livingstone (1).
Earlier, Suryakumar and Tilak Verma (34 not out off 18) produced tough knocks on a slow wicket to dismiss Mumbai Indians for a competitive total.
On a typically low and slow surface here, the MI batsmen struggled for timing and yet got their highest total so far at the newest IPL venue.
Rohit (36 off 25) and Suryakumar provided the rock with a steady 81-run stand for the second wicket before Verma and Tim David (14 off 7) found their mojo.
Playing his 250th IPL match, Rohit brought up his 6,500 runs in the competition.
(with input from PTI)
