The Mumbai Indians (MI) showcased an extraordinary display of cricket at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This marks MI’s fourth win of the season, largely attributed to a breathtaking century by Suryakumar Yadav, along with crucial support from Tilak Varma during the chase.
In line with the general trends observed in the TATA IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians’ skipper decided to bowl first after winning the toss, opting to test their bowling attack against a formidable SRH batting lineup. MI’s strategy included the introduction of Anshul Kamboj, a promising right-arm medium pacer, into their squad. Conversely, SRH reinforced their side with the experienced Mayank Agarwal to strengthen their batting line-up.
The game began with SRH openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, taking an aggressive approach during the powerplay, finding the boundaries with ease. The fifth over directed by Kamboj turned into an eventful affair. It started with Head marvelously hitting a six off the second ball. However, dramatic tension ensued as Kamboj bowled Head out, only to be called a no-ball. Capitalizing on the free-hit, Head struck a follow-up four and then proceeded with another boundary. The breakthrough for MI came just before the conclusion of the powerplay when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Abhishek Sharma, who managed only 11 runs off 16 deliveries, catching him behind.
The eighth over saw the seasoned Mayank Agarwal bowled out by the debutant Kamboj. This loss initiated a pattern of wicket fall for SRH with none of their partnerships, apart from the opening duo’s 56-run stand, advancing beyond 50 runs. Despite several batters getting their eyes in, SRH struggled to convert these beginnings into substantial scores. MI landed a significant blow when Travis Head, the top-scorer with 48 runs, fell in the 12th over. A turning point was when SRH found themselves at 136 for eight by the 17th over, pressing them to introduce Sanvir Singh as the impact player.
Towards the innings’ end, Pat Cummins exhibited an aggressive batting style, scoring a swift 35 runs off merely 17 balls, embellished by two sixes and two fours. Cummins’ innings was instrumental in pushing SRH’s total to a defendable 173, with a crucial 37-run partnership for the last wicket, offering their bowlers a fighting chance.
. Noteworthy bowling performances for MI came from their captain, Hardik Pandya, noting an impressive three for 31, and Piyush Chawla, who significantly contributed with three for 33.
MI’s chase started on a promising note, with the openers hitting 26 runs within the initial two overs. Both Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma exhibited good form. Regardless, SRH swiftly retaliated, dismissing Ishan, who edged to slip off Marco Jansen. Subsequently, Rohit Sharma edged a delivery that resulted in a catch by the wicketkeeper in the fourth over. Adding to MI’s woes, Naman Dhir succumbed early, edging to first slip off Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s skillful delivery in the fifth over, leading to a precarious 31 for three situation within five overs.
It was then Suryakumar Yadav decided to take charge, showcasing his attacking prowess as a strategy for survival. A significant moment occurred when he drove Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a stylish four early in his innings. Tilak Varma bolstered MI’s effort by aggressively targeting Cummins in the sixth over. As the powerplay concluded, MI reflected 52 for three on the scoreboard.
The fielding constraints easing off didn’t affect Suryakumar’s tempo. In the seventh over, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries off Marco Jansen, amassing 22 runs, which included two sixes and two fours. From this point, Suryakumar dominated the proceedings, providing no opportunity for SRH bowlers to stage a comeback. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma effectively anchored the innings, ensuring stability at one end, affording Suryakumar the liberty to play his natural game.
Replaying his feat from last year but during a run-chase this time, Suryakumar continued to mesmerize the MI home crowd with dazzling strokes. He reached his half-century in just 30 balls and swiftly progressed, clocking the next fifty in a mere 21 deliveries. His remarkable innings didn’t simply secure victory for MI but concluded in spectacular fashion as he hammered T Natarajan for a six in the 18th over, reaching his century and sealing the win with a remarkable 16 balls to spare.
Ultimately, the day belonged to Suryakumar Yadav, whose dazzling century remains etched in the memory of MI supporters, propelling them to a thrilling and much-needed win.