Defending champions Mumbai Indians made a resounding comeback in IPL 2020 beating Kolkata Knight Riders by 49 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. As a result, Kolkata’s poor run against Mumbai continue. Speaking at the end of the game, skipper Dinesh Karthik lamented poor all-round performance behind ther loss.

Batting first, Mumbai finished at 195 for five in their 20 overs banking on a superb knock from Rohit Sharma. He chipped in with 80 runs from 54 balls to lead the charge from the front. Pat Cummins – the most expensive cricketer in the auction shelled away 49 runs from three overs.

Losing Quinton de Kock early, Mumbai were in a spot of bother. But Rohit combined well with ever-consistent Suryakumar Yadav to steer their side. They added 90 runs for the second wicket before Suryakumar departed at the 11th over mark after a well made 47 runs.

The defending champions were in for a score of over 200 but Kolkata Knight Riders bowled some tight overs in death to restrict Mumbai for 195. The departure of Rohit and Hardik Pandya also didn’t work in their favour as Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard couldn’t time the ball well.

In pursuit, Kolkata Knight Riders were never in the line for the run chase. They lost wickets at regular intervals as Mumbai sensed a win right from the start. Kolkata promoted skipper Dinesh Karthik in the batting order but Mumbai Indians bowlers hit the right areas to keep the batters in check.

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After a sloppy bowling effort against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai made an outstanding comeback. They combined exceedingly well to keep the Kolkata batters at bay. Speaking from Kolkata’s perspective, holding back Andre Russell and Eoin Morgan late didn’t bode well as they sank down in their first game.

Dinesh Karthik laments poor performance

Speaking at the end of the game, Dinesh Karthik admitted that there were scopes of doing better with both and ball. He also backed his teammates to realise the mistake and do better in the upcoming matches.

“I think we had areas to do well in bat and ball. I think it was a pretty rusty day to be honest, I don’t want to get too analytical about it but it’s ok the boys realise where they could have done better,” Karthik said. 

Meanwhile, a couple of cricketer including Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan finished their quarantine and straightaway took part in the game. Despite accepting a poor effort, Karthik vouched to come back stronger.

“Couple of the guys – Cummins and Morgan – just finished their quarantine today, it is hard – playing in the heat and getting used to the conditions. Don’t want to be too analytical, the boys put in a good effort,” he added.