Five-time IPL champions, the Mumbai Indians (MI), etched their name in history at the Wankhede Stadium as they clinched their 150th victory in T20 cricket, establishing themselves as the most successful team in terms of wins. This remarkable feat unfolded during their clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture in Mumbai.
In a thrilling encounter, MI successfully defended a target of 235 runs, propelled by stellar performances from their openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, as well as contributions from Tim David and Romario Shepherd down the order. Despite their efforts, DC could only manage 205/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
It’s worth noting that MI’s tally of 150 wins excludes victories achieved in Super Overs following tied matches. Across IPL and the now-defunct Champions League T20, MI has participated in 273 matches, securing 150 wins while enduring 117 losses. Two matches concluded with no result, while MI has won and lost two matches each in Super Overs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) closely follows with 148 victories in their cricketing history. Overall, CSK has contested 253 T20 matches, winning 148, losing 101, with two matches resulting in no outcome, and they’ve experienced Super Over outcomes on two occasions after tied regular games.
This triumph also marked MI’s 50th win at the Wankhede Stadium, making them the IPL franchise with the most victories at a single venue. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and CSK occupy the subsequent positions with 48 and 47 wins respectively at their respective home grounds.
Remarkably, Mumbai Indians have emerged victorious in all 14 matches where they defended totals of 200 runs or more.
Regarding the match itself, DC won the toss and opted to bowl first. A dynamic 80-run partnership between Rohit Sharma (49 off 27) and Ishan Kishan (42 off 23) laid a solid foundation for MI. Despite a brief slowdown, skipper Hardik Pandya’s 39 off 33 deliveries ensured a formidable total, while Tim David (45* off 21) and Romario Shepherd (39* off 10) provided crucial late bursts, guiding MI to 234/5 in their quota of overs.
Axar Patel (2/35) and Anrich Nortje (2/65) stood out among DC’s bowlers. In response, DC’s innings saw notable contributions from Prithvi Shaw (66 off 40) and Abhishek Porel (41 off 31), who forged an 88-run partnership for the second wicket after the early dismissal of David Warner. However, despite Tristan Stubbs’s explosive 71* off just 25 balls, DC fell short, finishing at 205/8, succumbing to a 29-run defeat.
Gerald Coetzee (4/34) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/22) spearheaded MI’s bowling attack. Romario Shepherd’s all-round performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
On the points table, MI currently occupies the eighth position with one win and three losses, accruing two points. On the other hand, DC finds themselves at the bottom with one win in five matches, also holding two points.
The Mumbai Indians next take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, 11th of April, 2024 at the Wankhede on the other hand the Delhi Capitals fly to Lucknow and take on the Lucknow Super Giants on Friday, 12th of April 2024.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
