Sharjah: Mumbai Indians claimed their sixth victory in the Indian Premier League(IPL) of this season crushing Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Batting first, Rajasthan Royals line up fell like a pack of cards for a mere 90/9 before MI chased down target in 8.2 overs with Ishan Kishan smashing a blistering unbeaten 25 ball 50 victory helping his side to keep in hunt for the play-offs with 12 points.
Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl first was right on the money despite Rajasthan getting a good start. RR got 26 in first three over before the landslide started. Evin Lewis(24), the top scorer for the Royals side was only man to step into the 20’s.
Nathan Coulter-Nile(4/14) brought at the expense of Quinton de Kock repaid his inclusion topping the bowling charts. The Aussie seamer along with Jimmy Neesham(3/12),the kiwi medium-pacer went through the Rajasthan batting line-up who somehow scratched their way through to 90 thanks to some cameos from David Miller(15) and Rahul Tewatia(12).
In reply, Mumbai though lost a couple of wickets in chase, but with the target being within grasp, it didn’t bothered them much, youngster Kishan played a stellar knock after a few dry outings to ensure MI’s victory who now place themselves at fifth levelled on points with Kolkata Knight Riders with a game to go.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 94/2 in 8.2 overs(Ishan Kishan 50*, Rohit Sharma 22; Mustafizur Rahman 2/32) beat Rajasthan Royals 90/9 in 20 overs(Evin Lewis 24, David Miller 15 ; Nathan Coulter-Nile 4/14, Jimmy Neesham 3/12 ) by 8 wickets.
