Rohit, Krunal blitz keeps Mumbai Indians alive
The pair's unbeaten 56-run stand off 21 balls secured a third win in nine matches, keeping Mumbai Indians alive in the season
The pair's unbeaten 56-run stand off 21 balls secured a third win in nine matches, keeping Mumbai Indians alive in the season
Scorer: M Venkat Raghav | Commentator: Nikhil Kalro
11.32pm That was a very important win for Mumbai. They absolutely needed to win to keep their hopes alive, and they aced a tough chase to keep the comfortable chasing trend at this ground going.
Was that score ever going to be enough on this ground? Kings XI fought right through to give themselves a chance, but their batting was just not good enough tonight. Another spirited fight from Kings XI.
But it was Mumbai's long batting order that was too good, despite some hiccups. Suryakumar Yadav's impressive run continued. And Rohit, Hardik and Krunal played very important hands to get Mumbai across.
Suryakumar Yadav is the Man of the Match: "Enjoying my new role of opening. Trying to be consistent, trying to give good starts so that the finishers aren't burdened. I'm not thinking too much, trying to be simple."
Rohit Sharma: "We're still alive, good performance tonight. We wanted everyone to come together and put a collective effort. We understand the threat Kings XI bring with their bat, to restrict them was a great effort. The way we went about our chase, we needed some momentum, Hardik could get that by playing his game, which is why I held myself back. I know what shot-making is required at the end."
R Ashwin: "The wicket was sticky, we went well. Not got enough runs at the end. Fought well. The week off rejuvenated the boys. This tournament is not easy. Trying to play the brand of cricket we want to play."
Krunal Pandya: "When I'm playing, he feels pressure outside. When he's playing, I feel pressure outside. The brotherly bond is there. The last game, I was upset about not getting the team through. It was simple, anything is chaseable at this ground. You're a bit more confident with these short boundaries."
3 off 7.
The smiles are back. 50 off 19 this stand.
16 off 12
Rohit has a 100% winning record in IPL when remaining not out in chase. He has remained not out 16 times (4 for DC and 12 for MI) and won all the times.
By promoting left-handed batsmen through the middle overs, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma was kept apprehensive of using his spinners, Krunal Pandya and Mayank Markande
He had just a solitary wicket to show, but the pressure he built on Kings XI across two spells helped Mumbai Indians pull the game back
It may be dressing-room psychology rather than statistics that is leading him to come in late
The pair's unbeaten 56-run stand off 21 balls secured a third win in nine matches, keeping Mumbai Indians alive in the season
The defending champions have to win each of their remaining six matches to stay in contention for the IPL playoff race