MI vs KKR: Ishan Kishan’s blazing half-century and Suryakumar Yadav’s flamboyant innings helped Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the 22nd match of the IPL at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai continued their excellent head-to-head record against Kolkata and denied them victory at their fort in front of 19000 specially invited young girls. The chase was followed by Kishan and Suryakumar as MI kept their shape well and registered a five-wicket win.
Kishan and Suryakumar set up MI’s win
After not scoring much in the first three games, both Suryakumar and Kishan grabbed the opportunity. While Kishan gave a brisk start, Suryakumar took charge in the middle overs. Courtesy of Kishan’s firepower, MI reach 72/1 in the first 6 overs. This was his fifth-highest total in the Powerplay so far. However, Chakraborty kept Mumbai ahead by getting the wickets of Kishan, Suryakumar, and Tim David. Suryakumar was set for a half-century but Shardul fell cheaply as he was caught behind. David then took the team over the line with Cameron Green.
Venkatesh’s 100 goes in vain
Powered by Venkatesh Iyer, KKR ended the first innings at 185/6. While other batsmen found it difficult to get going, Venkatesh batted at a different level. He brought up his fifty in 23 balls as KKR were 90/3 at the halfway stage. He maintained his form in the next half and helped set a formidable platform. Iyer brought up his hundred in 49 balls as the other batsmen struggled for runs. Meanwhile, Meredith’s wicket fell in the 18th over and KKR got 185 runs. His 100 runs are now in vain.
Notably, the match saw 19000 young girls taking action from the field and Harmanpreet Kaur coming out to toss. Mumbai Indians women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Sunday walked out for the toss with the men’s team’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav in the Mumbai vs KKR match. Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders in their fourth match of the tournament at the Wankhede Stadium as Mumbai will be eyeing their second consecutive win.
Harmanpreet Kaur was present at the toss when the captains of the two competing teams – Suryakumar Yadav and Nitish Rana came out to toss the coin. Notably, Mumbai Indians are celebrating a special initiative called ‘ESA Day’ (Education and Sports for All).
Under this initiative, MI has invited 19000 young girls from 36 NGOs to watch the cricket match. They have also invited the Mumbai Indians women’s team to the game and Kaur’s presence in the middle is part of the initiative. MI hosts a game every season where they invite kids from NGOs and the game is dedicated to motivating the girl child.