Mumbai Indians kept their hopes alive by beating Kolkata Knight Riders in the 37th match of VIVO IPL 2018 played at Wankedhe Stadium, Mumbai just a few moments ago. KKR captain Dinesh Karthik decided to field first, Evin Lewis and Surya Kumar Yadav provided a solid start but could not post a big total. Chasing the target, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik contributed runs which did not help KKR to chase the needed target.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik won the toss and elected to field first. Surya Kumar Yadav started playing aggressive shots putting pressure on KKR bowlers, then was joined by Evin Lewis. At the end of 6 overs, Mumbai Indians scored 56 for 0.
After the power play overs, both openers continued to put pressure on KKR bowlers with aggressive hitting. Andre Russell got the wicket off Evin Lewis for 43 ending 91 runs stand for 1st wicket. Rohit Sharma the captain could not contribute and was dismissed for 11 runs. Surya Kumar struggled with cramps reaching his half-century off 31 balls.
Surya Kumar Yadav was dismissed for 59 runs. After his dismissal, Mumbai Indians could not score many runs. Hardik Pandya scored quick fire 35 off 20 balls to post 181 for 4 in 20 overs. For KKR, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell picked 2 wickets each.
Chasing 182, Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill opened the innings for KKR. Both openers started on a cautious note adding 28 runs for the opening wicket. Chris Lynn and Gill were dismissed in quick succession. At the end of 6 overs, KKR scored 47 for 2.
After the power play overs, Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana steadied the innings with good aggressive hitting. Uthappa looked in aggressive touch along with Rana added 84 runs for the 3rd wicket. Uthappa reached his half-century off 32 balls. Both of them were dismissed in quick succession to leave KKR at 115 for 4.
Captain Dinesh Karthik played a captains knock but Russell could not contribute big runs. Karthik remained not out on 36. Mumbai Indians scored 168 for 6 in 20 overs and won the match by 13 runs.
MI 181 for 4 in 20 overs ( Surya Kumar Yadav 59, Evin Lewis 43, Hardik Pandya 35*, Sunil Narine 2/35, Andre Russell 2/12) beat
KKR 168 for 6 in 20 overs ( Robin Uthappa 54, Dinesh Karthik 36*, Hardik Pandya 2/19) by 13 runs.
KKR captain Dinesh Karthik said: Not a great chase by our team. Needed our top batsmen to score big runs and played with positive intent. We needed to play smart cricket but could help the team to win the match. Our next few matches are important to have a chance reaching the playoffs.
MI captain Rohit Sharma said: Another good performance by our team. Evin Lewis and Surya Kumar Yadav gave the team a great start but the lower order batsmen could not take the score beyond 200. The bowlers did a brilliant job to pick wickets at regular intervals and made sure we are still alive in the tournament.