For Delhi, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw laid a strong foundation scoring one less than a 50-run partnership. But after that, the Capitals lost their way in the middle overs and just couldn't make a comeback. In the end, they fell short by 40 runs and slumped to the third spot in the points table.
A stupendous all-round effort by Mumbai Indians saw hosts Delhi Capitals get hammered at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Thursday. Mumbai Indians turned out to be a better side in all three departments of the game. Batting first, the Rohit Sharma-led team posted 168 runs on the board, with Hardik Pandya smashing 32 runs off just 15 balls lower down the order.
For Delhi, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw laid a strong foundation scoring one less than a 50-run partnership. But after that, the Capitals lost their way in the middle overs and just couldn't make a comeback. In the end, they fell short by 40 runs and slumped to the third spot in the points table.
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Let's look at what went in favour of Mumbai
Feroz Shah Kotla is Delhi Capitals' home ground and are expected to perform better than any visiting team. However, the Capitals haven't been able to read the pitch and conditions well this season. Sandeep Lamichhane would have been a better option than Keemo Paul on this track.
Mumbai, on the other hand, were able to stamp their authority on the game, having read the pitch well. The team went with an extra spinner, in the form of Jayant Yadav, who had played for Delhi in the past and could utilise that experience while playing for Mumbai. Three spinners on a slowish track gave Mumbai Indians an edge in the game.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians were off to a scintillating start with both Rohit and Quinton de Kock slamming the opposition bowlers all around the ground. However, once the duo departed, the team lost its way and at one stage, they were looking to end 20-30 runs short to what they managed to put on the board in the end.
After 15.1 overs, Mumbai Indians were four-down for 104 runs. It was then that Hardik arrived at the crease and did what he is known for — hard hitting. He, along with his elder brother Krunal, smashed 54 runs in 4.1 overs to take Mumbai Indians to 168. Hardik scored 32 runs off just 15 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 213.33. His innings was laced with two boundaries and three mighty sixes.
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Rohit introduced wrist spinner Rahul Chahar in the second over itself, and one has to say that he didn't disappoint his skipper. He sent back three pillars of the Delhi Capitals batting line-up (Prithvi, Dhawan, and Shreyas Iyer) to help Mumbai be on the driver's seat.
He finished his spell with three wickets for 17 runs, which eventually helped Mumbai Indians register their sixth win and move up to the second spot in the points table.
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