Mumbai Indians rendered a top-notch display in the last outing against KL Rahul-led KXIP, as they registered a comprehensive 48-run win in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The four-time champions certainly have one of the strongest middle-order attacks in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former India cricketer Zaheer Khan, who is currently the Director of Cricket Operations at Mumbai Indians, was pleased with the efforts put in by the players in the much-coveted encounter.
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In a video posted on MI’s official Twitter handle, Zaheer spoke about the crucial 62-run partnership stitched by the duo of Rohit and Ishan which helped the side from 21/2 in 3.5 overs to 83/2 in 13.1 overs. He even lauded the manner in which the team handled the pressure and came out as a dominant figure.
“Everyone has been very in tune with the game, they absorbed pressure very well. I think that was one of the key highlights be it bowling or batting. I think Rohit and Ishan put together a great partnership which was required at that stage. They took their time, the conditions were not really easy,” said the former Indian pacer.
Pollard coming into the party is always a great sign for us: Zaheer Khan
Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard’s fireworks played a key role in getting their team past the 190 run mark, considering the Mumbai Indians were at 124/4 in 16.1 overs, after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal on 70.
The duo of Pollard (47*, 22b, 3 fours, 4 sixes) and Hardik (30*, 11b, 3 fours, 2 sixes) added 67* runs to the total, with 62 runs in the last 3 overs.
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Pollard has been in great form in the last couple of months, as he had a blistering run with the bat in CPL 2020, where he led his side Trinbago Knight Riders to a victory.
Also, the knock from Hardik was much needed in the last outing, as the all-rounder hadn’t been clicking in the games prior.
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Speaking on the exhibitions put by them, Zaheer said that it is very important they continue with that form and the sooner Pollard unleashes his hitting, the better for the four-time champions.
“Hardik and Pollard, that is what they are known for and I think it is great to have the big man in such a form, coming from the tournament in the Caribbean. Now he is continuing with that form which is very important and we are always banking on him. Pollard coming into the party and when he comes to the party early it is always a great sign for us.”
The win over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has pushed Mumbai Indians (MI) straightaway to the top of the points table, with 2 wins in 3 matches, 4 points and an NRR of +1.094.
Rohit Sharma & Co. will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Sharjah on October 4.
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 for absorbing pressure aganst Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.){kind=link}