MI vs SRH: Mumbai still win-less after 15-run defeat
David Warner (65 runs, 51b, 1×4, 4×6) hit a fighting half-century and combined well with Lokesh Rahul (46 runs, 40b, 3×4) for a superb 111-run partnership which set the tone for a fine win. Warner worked hard for runs initially but once he got his eye in and was settled, the Australian left-hander scored runs at a brisk pace. Rahul also contributed in Hyderabad’s decent total by supporting Warner well in their third-wicket stand, following cheap dismissal of their openers.
Veteran paceman Zaheer Khan (2/26) bowled with good rhythm and succeeded in sending Shikhar Dhawan (6) and Aaron Finch (16) back to dugout inside the first five overs. The SRH skipper edged one to Harbhajan Singh in slips immediately after hitting a boundary while Finch, who yet again looked in good touch, failed to keep a drive on the ground and was caught in covers by Ben Dunk. Lasith Malinga and Harbhajan Singh also bowled well and at the same time SRH batsmen did not lack in application and were maintaining a decent run-rate. Pragyan Ojha was the only Mumbai bowler who failed to make an impact. He was hit for consecutive boundaries by Rahul and was also punished by Warner, who smashed the spinner to a huge six over the mid-wicket. In his first two overs, the left-arm spinner leaked 25 runs, allowing SRH to overcome the early loss of the openers. At half-way mark, SRH were 71 for two, albeit there were not much boundaries, only six at that stage. Warner and Rahul had to work hard for runs. They relied on rotating the strike, rather then going for big shots. In fact, at one time, the gap between two boundaries was almost six overs. The shackles were broken when Ojha returned. He first fired his second wide for five runs and then Warner again hammered him for a massive six. Warner did not spare Pollard and even umpire Kumar Dharamasena, who was hit on his shoulders by one of his furious shots. Mumbai 157-7 in 20 overs: When the captain himself is out within two overs, the rest of the team is bound to lose some confidence. Rohit Sharma (1) failed to give Mumbai the big start that they needed when he was bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Corey Anderson (1) followed soon after and MI were reeling at 8-2 in 2.4 overs. It looked as if opener Ben Dunk’s four fours would be the only positives in that opening period but then Ambati Rayudu (35 runs in 27 balls, 5×4) and Kieron Pollard (78 runs, 48b, 3×4, 6×6) stitched up a brilliant partnership worth 77 runs which gave them a glimmer of hope. But Rayudu and Pollard were both out in the space of 14 balls. After that, it was easy pickings for SRH. They didn’t really need to try for wickets and finished the 20 overs with ease. Mumbai eventually fell 16 runs short as the last four wickets went for just 13 runs. Turning point: It would be harsh to say this, but until the wicket of Finch it looked like Mumbai were in control. As soon as Rahul came in, he and Warner just clicked and put a brilliant stand.
