The Qualifier 2 between the Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings started after 2 hours from the toss as Mumbai Indians' openers Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow walked into the middle. The first over was bowled by Arshdeep Singh as the MI batters cautiously played out the first 6 balls of the match.
Jonny Bairstow picked up the pace in the second over with a few crisp boundaries. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, after taking his time, attempted an expansive shot but was caught out. Marcus Stoinis deceived him with a slower delivery, giving PBKS their first breakthrough as Rohit departed for 8 (7).
MI Build Through Tilak-Surya Stand, But PBKS Hit Back Late
Tilak Varma came in at No. 3 and, along with Bairstow, kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries. The pitch, having seen some rain, didn’t offer much for the bowlers early on. MI ended the powerplay strongly at 65/1. Despite Rohit's dismissal, PBKS lacked consistency with the ball except for Kyle Jamieson, who smartly used slower balls, which proved effective on this surface.
Vyshak Vijaykumar soon applied the same tactic, removing the well-set Bairstow with a well-disguised knuckleball. Bairstow’s dismissal ended a flying start for MI. The slower-ball strategy continued to trouble the batters, and Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma chose not to take risks in the middle overs, except when pace was on offer. MI batted smartly, maintaining a run rate of 10 per over to reach 102/2 at the halfway mark.
Suryakumar and Tilak built a solid 72-run stand off 42 balls before Yuzvendra Chahal ended the partnership, dismissing Suryakumar for a well-made 44 (26). One wicket brought another, as Tilak Varma was removed shortly after for 44 (29) by Jamieson in his final over. Those two quick wickets slowed MI’s momentum as Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir looked to rebuild heading into the death overs.
Naman Dhir’s Late Surge Powers MI to 203/6
Naman Dhir broke the pressure with three boundaries in an over from Arshdeep, lifting MI’s run rate again. While sixes remained rare, MI batters focused on finding the gaps. Dhir showcased his finishing skills yet again, even as partners fell at the other end. His explosive 37 off 18 balls helped MI push past the 200-mark, ending their innings at 203/6 after 20 overs.
MI will be pleased with the total. However, PBKS still have a chance but only if they handle Jasprit Bumrah smartly in the chase. Stay tuned for second-innings highlights.
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