In the most anticipated contest of IPL 2024, the Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first in Pandya’s debut as MI captain. The Gujarat Titans appeared poised for a 200+ score, but Bumrah’s brilliance limited them to 168/6. Pandya opened Mumbai’s bowling attack, conceding 11 runs in his first over. Despite Luke Wood’s nine-run over, Pandya surprisingly returned for the third over instead of handing the ball to Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah’s trademark yorker claimed Mumbai’s first wicket, dismissing Wriddiman Saha (19 off 15). Spinners, PIyush Chawla and Shams Mulani further hindered GT’s progress, with Chawla removing the Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for 31 off 22. GT’s momentum was revived by Sudharsan 45 off 39, supported by Omarzai and Miller. Bumrah’s return in the 17th over saw the dismissals of Miller and Sudharsan.
Despite losing two early wickets, Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis dominated, putting the Mumbai Indians in a commanding position. Azmatullah Omarzai removed Ishaan Kishan for a duck and Naman Dhir (20 off 10) early on. Rohit’s departure for 43 off 29 and the 77-run partnership with Brevis ended MI’s momentum. Rashid and Mohit stifled MI’s run flow, leading to Brevis’s dismissal for 46 off 38. Chasing 169, Mumbai Indians required 19 runs from the final over after tight bowling from Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma. Pandya smashed a six and a four off the first two balls. However, Umesh Yadav struck back, dismissing Pandya and claiming another wicket. MI couldn’t recover, and Shubman Gill secured his first win as GT captain.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
