Mumbai: Mumbai Indians (MI) notched their maiden win in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with a thrilling 29-run triumph over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Bolstered by a scintillating batting display, MI posted an imposing total of 234 runs. In response, DC showcased commendable resilience with the bat, but a disciplined spell by Jasprit Bumrah ensured MI emerged victorious.
MI’s innings was a tale of two halves, both anchored by their skipper. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan kickstarted proceedings with a blistering 80-run partnership off just 42 balls. Rohit’s aggressive strokeplay, including two sixes off Jhye Richardson, set the tone early on. However, Axar Patel’s crafty left-arm spin halted MI’s charge, dismissing Rohit for a well-made 49.
Despite some quick wickets, Hardik Pandya’s cameo of 39 off 33 deliveries provided stability, laying the groundwork for Tim David’s explosive innings in the death overs. David’s ferocious hitting propelled MI past the 200-run mark, with his 45 off 21 balls crucial in bolstering the total.
In the final over, Sherfane Rutherford’s sensational power-hitting stole the show as MI plundered 32 runs off Anrich Nortje, propelling them to a daunting 234.
Chasing the mammoth target, DC’s Prithvi Shaw displayed his class with a fine half-century, while Tristan Stubbs’ belligerent knock of 71 off 25 balls kept DC in the hunt. However, Bumrah’s clinical yorker to dismiss Shaw swung the momentum in MI’s favor.
Despite Stubbs’ heroics, DC struggled to maintain the required run rate, eventually falling short by 29 runs. Gerald Coetzee starred with the ball for MI, claiming four crucial wickets, while Bumrah’s spell of 2 for 22 proved instrumental in securing MI’s victory.
With this exhilarating win, MI kick-started their campaign in IPL 2024 on a high note, while DC will look to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.