IPL 10: Match 12, Who Said What: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians continued their winning streak while chasing as they defeated the Royal Challengers of Bangalore by four wickets in their own backyard in Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. The home team was buoyed after the inclusion of their dynamic skipper Virat Kohli in the squad. Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and put Kohli’s team into bat. Much to the joy of the spectators, they witnessed Kohli walk into bat after almost one month due to his shoulder injury.

The skipper did not disappoint his fans as he scored a fluent 47-ball 62 which was sparkled with five boundaries and two graceful maximums. Although, he did not find any substantial support from the other end with below par efforts from Gayle and AB de Villiers. The Royal Challengers crawled towards their total of 142 as they managed only 34 runs in the final five overs. Mitchell McCleneghan was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up a couple of important wickets by giving away only 20 runs. However, the general feeling in both the camps was that the pitch slowed down during the latter half of the innings as the batsmen found it difficult to middle the ball.

The Mumbai Indians supporter would have hoped at the interval that they have an upper hand, with the RCB setting them a target of only 143 runs with the kind of batsmen they have in their line up and form they are in. But Samuel Badree had other ideas. After the end of his spell in the powerplay, the Mumbai Indians were reduced to 33 for the loss of 5 wickets. He took a hat trick by taking the wickets of Parthiv Patel, Mitchell McCleneghan, and Rohit Sharma and caused a havoc in the Mumbai camp.

With their team tottering at 33-5, Pollard and Krunal Pandya stitched a match saving partnership after seeing through the early carnage from RCB bowlers. It looked like an improbable victory for the visitors with Mumbai needing 106 runs in 11 overs. But, Pollard played a blinder of an innings by rescuing his team from a point of distress and put to rest the many voices about the end of his T20 Career. He showed one and all why it is hazardous to write him off in this format of the game. He scored a glorious 47-ball 70 which was garnished with 5 towering sixes and three boundaries.

He was well supported by Krunal Pandya who impressed yet again with his all-round prowess. He provided the finishing touch to the chase with his 30-ball 37. Yet again, it was the Pandya brothers who finished the game for Mumbai Indians. Kieron Pollard was awarded as the man of the match for his superhuman efforts.

Kieron Pollard

Pollard applauded the efforts of the Pandya brothers after thanking his wife for the support. He went to state that these are the situations which highlight the mettle and character of a champion, (which Pollard is). Pollard believes that the team will do well in the upcoming matches now that they have momentum on their side.

First of all I would want to thank my wife. These are sitautions where champions are made. These are situations where you want to be on the top. He came in and showed maturity. These Pandyas have been doing really well. I am watching what bowlers they have. Keep ticking the run rate over. That was the plan and am glad it came through. This is the best start for us in a couple of years. These are the situations where you dig in deep. This is T20. We have the momentum with us and would want to carry on.

Rohit Sharma

The Mumbai Indians skipper went on to state that it was an exemplary effort from the bowlers to restrict the batting-heavy unit of RCB at 143 in their own backyard. Sharma mentioned that the bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Rohit hoped that his team continues with the momentum they have gained after their loss in the first match.

I think it was a great effort with the bat. It was important to get that partnership after losing a few wickets. Such a heavy batting line-up. We did our plans really well. We bowled to their weaknesses. All the bowlers came together and complemented each other. When you have guys executing the plans, it becomes. We hope to continue the momentum into the next few games as well.

Gujrat Lions will face the in-form Mumbai team at their own fortress at Wankhede on 16th April whereas RCb host the Rising Pune Supergiants later that night.