IPL 2023: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Match 46 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Playing in the 46th match of Indian Premier League 2023, Mumbai Indians (MI) avenged their earlier defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings by defeating the Shikhar Dhawan-led side by six wickets at Mohali's Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium.

Being put to bat by Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings rode on a 119-run stand between Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma to put 214 runs on the board. In retaliation, Mumbai easily chased down the target with six wickets and seven balls to spare, as Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav returned brilliant half-century knocks to help MI run away with the game.

Let's look at the Talking Points from today's game - 

Liam Livingstone unsettles MI bowling to help PBKS traverse past 200-run mark

After a few spiceless outings upfront, Liam Livingstone has announced his comeback with a roar as he carried his golden run from the match against Chennai Super Kings into the clash against MI, where he notched up a magnificent half-century to lead Punjab's frontal attack on the visitors. After an ordinary performance by the top-order, Livingstone, who had come in after the fall of Shikhar Dhawan when PBKS were 62/2 after 51 balls, played a swashbuckling innings, typical of his caliber. 

Livingstone put up an unconquered 119-run stand with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma for the fourth wicket in which he did the bulk of the scoring. Livingstone played 42 balls to bring up a gallant 82 runs with the help of seven fours and four sixes. Meanwhile, Jitesh remained unbeaten on one short of a half-century, amassed over 27 balls, courtesy of five fours and two maximums.

Ishan Kishan finds his hands to guide MI home in crucial game against PBKS

After a string of low scores in the tournament, MI's gloveman Ishan Kishan played a sensational knock to help his team avenge their loss against PBKS in the previous clash. After the early departure of skipper Rohit Sharma, Kishan took it upon himself to provide a solid base at the top for the power hitters to later build upon. Kishan formed a 54-run stand with Cameron Green for the second wicket and after checking the early loss, powered a 116-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav for the third wicket to drive MI closer to a much-needed victory.

Kishan top scored with 75 runs in just 41 balls at a blistering strike rate of 182.93. His innings was decorated with seven fours and four maximums.

Suryakumar Yadav's fireworks make MI comfortable in the chase

Suryakumar Yadav, who too had a lean patch in the initial half of the tournament, continued his fine run to notch up his second consecutive half-century in the tournament. After his 55-run knock against Rajasthan Royals, Suryakumar starred with another palindromic 66-run innings against PBKS as well. Suryakumar co-piloted the chase alongside Ishan Kishan to put MI in a commanding position. His match-winning knock was studded with eight fours and two maximums. He formed a 116-run stand with Kishan before being caught at backward point by Arshdeep Singh off Nathan Ellis.

Losing Captain, Shikhar Dhawan said - 

We started off quite well and thought that was a very good total but unfortunately we could not defend it. I feel that, of course Rishi bowled really well, but from the other end, we bowled outside the off stump quite a bit and we should have bowled on off in the powerplay. And then Ishan and Surya just took the game away. We should have bowled tighter lines. Because we saw the wicket and saw it's a very good wicket, we thought change of pace will work a lot and I feel Nathan bowled really well but other bowlers didn't step up today. There was dew on the field and the wicket got a bit better, I felt that if one spinner gets hit then it gets hard to contain runs.

Winning Captain, Rohit Sharma said -

When we started the T20 format, 150 was a winning score. One extra batter makes a huge difference as well. The average score is around 180 this season, I was checking. SKY has been doing that for a couple of overs. To play behind the wicket is his strength. He utilised it well. Kishan and SKY batted brilliantly. Before the start of the season, we had a chat as to how we wanted to play our cricket. Not to think of the results too much. We want to go out there and just express ourselves. You will lose games here and there. We want to stick to this template. Kishan is powerful. He practises those kind of shots. He has been working really hard for the last couple of weeks. I wouldn't say a worrying factor. But we need to think how to shut down overs. Three to four games we have conceded more than 200. When the pressure is on, you need to execute what is best for you.

Player of the Match, Ishan Kishan said - 

The wicket was too good for batting, I kept for 20 overs and knew the wicket was good. If it is in my arc, I will go for it. He (Rishi) was swinging the ball, I thought of stepping out as the keeper wasn't near. The message was to watch the ball and hit. I think it doesn't matter much when you are chasing 215 (whether the fielder is there or not in the areas you try and hit big shots). Last game we did well and finished in the last over. I try to finish it as soon as possible. I think fitness is very important. We keep on training hard. We also try to work out during the match. Credit goes to mom's food as it is important to eat well.