MI vs RCB: Glenn Maxwell-Faf du Plessis’ blitzkrieg negates MI's head start attained after Virat Kohli’s early loss

In the 54th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, five-time champions Mumbai Indians took on the Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 9. Coming in to bat first, the visitors got off to the worst of starts as Virat Kohli was sent back to the pavilion for just one run.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as Anuj Rawat failed to make an impact as well, after being sent back to the pavilion for just six runs. However, after the fall of the second wicket, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell came to the crease, and the 34-year-old delivered much to the expectations.

Maxwell and du Plessis showed resilience and laid the foundation of a superb partnership. Maxwell scored 68 runs in 33 deliveries, whereas du Plessis amassed 65 runs in 41 deliveries. Their knocks also saw them become the only pair to have three century partnerships between them in the IPL 2023. 

Furthermore, Bangalore’s batting attack has dominated the tournament, as the second-most 100+ partnership in the ongoing season has been between du Plessis and Virat Kohli (2). Both batters have been in scintillating form for Bangalore in the ongoing edition of the marquee tournament.

12th Khiladi@12th_khiladi

Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis are on fire at the Wankhede! 🏏🔥 They are the only pair to have 3 century partnership between them this season. 🇿🇦🤝🇦🇺 The second most 100 partnership is between Faf and Virat Kohli(2) RCB domination 👊💥 #IPL2O23 #MIvsRCB #MIvRCB

08:02 PM · May 09, 2023

20

Both MI and RCB look to register their sixth win of IPL 2023

The IPL points table sees five teams tied at 10 points, as eight teams are still in contention to make the playoffs. Bangalore currently sit in sixth place in the standings with 10 points in 10 matches, whereas Mumbai Indians find themselves in eighth place with equinumerous points from the same number of matches.

Every win could prove crucial in both teams' quest for playoff qualification. Both sides have won five games in the tournament so far, and as they take each other on, they would be keen on registering their sixth win to solidify their place in the knockout stage of the tournament.