The Mumbai Indians comprehensively defeat Kolkata Knight Riders at Abu Dhabi in IPL 2020. Rohit Sharma & Co with ease chased down the target of 149 runs to cruise to the top of the points table.
Quinton de Kock starred in the chase as he scored an unbeaten knock 78 from just 44 deliveries and took his side past the finishing line. The KKR side loses their first match under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan.
Mumbai Indians Outclass Kolkata Knight Riders
Earlier in the match, the MI bowling attack was once again ruthless. They had KKR on the ropes after the first 10 overs of the match itself.
At once stage, KKR were reeling at 42 for 4 and it seemed they will be bundled out for a low score. However then Pat Cummins and skipper Morgan stitched a well-needed partnership.
Surprisingly Cummins was the aggressor between the two and scored 53 from mere 36 deliveries. Fireworks from Morgan’s bat came in the last over as Kolkata Knight Riders put on a respectable total on the board.
Right From Ball One We Were In Their Faces – Rohit Sharma
Unfortunately for Morgan’s side, the explosive MI opening duo of De Kock and Rohit Sharma took the game away in the batting powerplay itself. In the end, the MI side was once again showcased their class and wrapped up the match with 3.1 overs to spare.
Here’s what the winning skipper Rohit Sharma had to say in the post-match presentation:
“It is special to win as comprehensively as this when chasing. It gives us confidence. I guess now teams batting second will win most of the games. That’s what I feel. The trend is changing. It is always a challenge when you have won four in four. How you turn up is what matters. We turned up really well, and right from ball one we were in their faces”.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Second Half Of The League Phase Will be More Challenging – Ricky Ponting
“I am a big fan of match-ups. read them well, and decide whom to exploit when. Having said that, you have to read the pitch and be instinctive too. I still bowled Rahul and Krunal to Russell because the pitch was holding up a little bit.
Then I brought on Bumrah. I enjoy batting with Quinton. He is straightforward. Most of the times I take the back seat. I have a role to play in the squad. I need to let Quinny bat free and not worry about what the team needs from him”, Rohit Sharma said.
Also Read: Eoin Morgan Rues Poor Batting After Disappointing Start To His Captaincy Stint
