Punjab stun defending champions in a low-scoring game at Chennai by 9 wickets, courtesy of a fabulous bowling display followed by a gritty stand from Gayle and Rahul. Punjab won their second game in their fifth game, while Mumbai suffered their 3rd defeat of the season.
Toss: Punjab opted to field first
Venue: Chepauk Stadium, Chennai
Detailed Match Report
First Innings (Mumbai 131/6)
KL Rahul surprised on toss as he decided to bowl first on a surface like Chepauk and his call because of the dew on the surface in the second innings. Deepak Hooda bagged De Kock early and Ishan Kishan was promoted but he couldn’t survive as Ravi Bishnoi picked him on 6. After losing two wickets in the powerplay, Mumbai tried to rebuild their innings with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Mumbai’s run-rate was even below 5 at the halfway mark, The duo added 79 runs for the 3rd wicket and Rohit Sharma completed his 40th half-century in Indian T20 League. After losing Surya, Rohit Sharma also got out after scoring a fine 63 off 52 balls. Mumbai’s death-overs trauma haunted in this game as well and they added just 26 runs in the last four overs and lost 4 wickets. Shami and Bishnoi picked two wickets each. Hooda and Arshdeep claimed one wicket each.
Second Innings (Punjab 132/1)
Mumbai needed early wickets to defend this modest total. Mayank and Rahul focused on acceleration in the powerplay. The duo added 53 runs for the opening wicket before Rahul Chahar struck for Mumbai. After losing Mayank on 25, Gayle and Rahul played sensible cricket. Spinners troubled Gayle but Mumbai failed to get him in middle-overs. Krunal Pandya looked dull with his bowling and conceded 31 runs in 3-overs. Punjab crossed 100 with ease and KL Rahul scored yet another half-century. Gayle’s approach was delightful as he played according to the pitch. Rohit recalled Bumrah to add any twist in the death-overs but Punjab held the nerves and defeated Mumbai by 9 wickets with 14 balls spare.
Star Performer of the Match
KL Rahul is our star performer of the match. Punjab skipper was brilliant in captaincy and backed his side to chase in Chennai. He scored a match-winning knock of 60 off 52 balls and finished this chase smartly.
5 impactful players of match
Rohit Sharma 63 (52)
Ravi Bishnoi 21/2
Mohammed Shami 21/2
KL Rahul 60 (52)
Chris Gayle 43 (35)
