Mumbai: In a sensational chase, Mumbai Indians pulled off a heist against Rajasthan Royals by hunting down 213 run target, giving Captain Rohit Sharma the best-ever birthday gift in the historic 1000th IPL match at Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday.
As many as 17 runs were needed off the final over, and it was done and dusted with three balls to spare. It was an absolute carnage and mad hitting. And this was executed by none other than Tim David. He did it off Jason Holder's three high juicy full tosses, smoking each of them into the galleries, creating history of chasing down the highest-ever target at Wankhede.
Tim had his task cut out when Mumbai needed 61 runs off 26 balls. Right off the screws, flat and powerful, the mighty Australian walloped 5 sixes and 2 boundaries in 14 balls to score an unforgettable 45 runs innings.
Tilak Varma (29 off 21, 3x4s 1x6) hung around, gave him good support, and they started off with an 11-run over off Trent Boult (1/43) to see out his spell. Sandeep Sharma (1/35) then bowled a pretty good 19th over, conceding 15 runs, and leaving 17 for Holder (55/0 in 3.3 overs) to defend off the last.
After Cameron Green (44 off 26, 4x4s 2x6s) and Ishan Kishan (28 off 23, 4x4s) steadied the batting and set the platform, Suryakumar Yadav (55) came in and did not mess around. He swept the very first ball he faced for a six, and signalled his mood immediately.
In a display of utter dominance, SKY studded with eight fours and two sixes, came the counter-punch in just 29 balls he faced, keeping the asking rate in check and keeping the noses of Mumbai in front.
Earlier in the day, it was the local Mumbai lad playing for the opposition, Yashasvi Jaiswal (124 off 62, 16x4s 8x6s), who impressed everybody with the way he paced his innings and batted nearly through Rajasthan Royals' innings to notch up a 53-ball century.
It was just chanceless, and the fact that extras were Rajasthan’s second-highest run-scorer should tell just how important his knock was for his side.
Mumbai snapped up two vital points, beginning the second of the calendar with a bang. But more importantly, it’s the way Mumbai won this match that should really inspire them and set the pattern for the rest of the season.
Mumbai needed this and teammates needed this. It was the perfect shot in the arm. Other teams, beware, Mumbai are hungry and they are on a mission. (UNI)
