Mumbai Indians’ skipper Hardik Pandya couldn’t perform with the bat as they suffered a 31-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. This loss marks their second consecutive defeat in IPL 2024, following a six-run loss to Gujarat Titans in their season opener.
Despite chasing a target of 278, Mumbai could only muster 246/5, with Pandya contributing just 24 runs off 20 balls, including one six and a boundary.
In contrast, the remaining batsmen showcased impressive strike rates exceeding 200: Ishan Kishan scored 34 off 13 balls, Rohit Sharma made 26 off 12 deliveries, Naman Dhir contributed 30 runs from 14 balls, Tim David remained unbeaten on 42 off 22 balls, and Romario Shephard scored 15 off 6 balls.
Tilak Varma, who recorded the highest score of 64 off 34 balls, maintained a strike rate of 188.24, smashing six sixes and two boundaries in the process.
Supporters on X (formerly Twitter) heavily criticized MI and Hardik Pandya for consecutive defeats in the T20 tournament. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his thoughts on the micro-blogging platform:
“If the whole team is playing with the strike of 200, Captain can’t bat with the batting strike rate of 120.”
If the whole team is playing with the strike of 200, Captain can’t bat with the batting strike rate of 120.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 27, 2024
Here are some more reactions:
MI bowlers and fielders : pic.twitter.com/TEAex4ICRo
— ᴅᴏᴜʙʟᴇ-🆁 (@Naam_Hi_Kafi_H) March 27, 2024
Mi fans right now #SRHvsMi pic.twitter.com/yp7GLpjs9R
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) March 27, 2024
https://x.com/Retired_Hurt07/status/1773045229995573336?s=20
https://x.com/jigy_asu/status/1773014480168845667?s=20
https://x.com/UmdarTamker/status/1773006490040709437?s=20
https://x.com/sarcasqo/status/1773013529794105398?s=20
https://x.com/noworriesbehpy/status/1773046271713960222?s=20
https://x.com/RanaTells/status/1773050852594380982?s=20
https://x.com/skull_88888/status/1773042403198280070?s=20
https://x.com/AnkitSharma8878/status/1773017060915765355?s=20
https://x.com/terakyalenadena/status/1773002973339439555?s=20
https://x.com/RofiedAyush/status/1773019277165015396?s=20
SunRisers posted their highest-ever IPL total of 277/3 after being asked to bat first, surpassing RCB’s previous record. Heinrich Klaasen starred with an unbeaten 80 off 34 balls, including seven sixes and four boundaries.
Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head achieved the fastest and second-fastest half-centuries (in 16 and 18 balls, respectively) for the Hyderabad franchise.
Abhishek scored 63 off 23 balls with seven sixes and three boundaries, while Head made 62 off 24 balls in his SRH debut, hitting three sixes and nine boundaries. Markram stayed unbeaten on 42 off 28 deliveries with one six and two boundaries.
However, despite their efforts, Mumbai’s bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, Gerald Coetzee, and Piyush Chawla, managed to take only one wicket each but were quite expensive.
“It’s just a matter of time” -Hardik Pandya supports Mumbai Indians for upcoming IPL matches
MI captain Hardik Pandya has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in the remaining IPL matches after their determined performance in the challenging run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. Pandya stated during the post-match show:
“Everyone (the batters) looked good and it is just a matter of time before we put things right.”
Pandya also showed support for his bowling unit despite them conceding over 500 runs collectively. The all-rounder mentioned:
“They (the bowlers) were good, it was tough out there, almost 500 runs were scored and the wicket was helping the batters.”
“We could have done a few things here and there, but having said that, we have a young bowling attack and we will learn.”
The next match for Mumbai Indians will take place at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday (April 1), where they will host Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
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