Determined Punjab Kings vs Flamboyant MI
Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians squared up against each other at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur with an eye on the top 2 playoff positions. Many felt that MI had the edge, considering their recent form and that Punjab might have to settle for the Eliminator. But the Punjab Kings have been a determined lot this year and proved the majority wrong, by winning on a canter and emerging as one of the favourites for the Title race.
MI Make Heavy Weather, Reach 184
Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak, and the increasingly impressive Harpreet Brar bowled brilliantly to the Mumbai batters, who struggled to get going. Suryakumar Yadav bided his time and, along with Naman Dheer, looked to score heavily in the last two overs (as they had plundered DC and knocked them out of the playoffs), but Arshdeep produced an outstanding last over, picking 2 wickets and conceding just 3 runs. MI eventually reached 184, which was challenging given the firepower in MI’s bowling armoury, but gettable too.
Arya & Prabhsimran Start Well For Punjab
Priyansh Arya has been a revelation for Punjab. His brilliant partnerships with the equally impressive and belligerent Prabhsimran Singh upfront, have been the primary reason for the success of Punjab Kings this year. Trent Boult’s first ball was superbly struck for a boundary by Arya, and then there was no looking back.
Sensational Josh Inglis Puts MI Out Of The Game
Josh Inglis joined Arya when Prabhsimran left and turned the match completely in Punjab Kings’ favour. He batted beautifully and dented Mitch Santner’s threat which pegged MI back. Barring Bumrah, none of the Mumbai bowlers looked threatening, and once Inglis imposed himself, the bowlers wilted. Priyansh Arya too played some delightful strokes ( his six off Bumrah was something to watch) and displayed a wise head in the middle.
Punjab Devour MI Target With Ease
Inglis and Arya had a brisk 109-run partnership before Arya left for 62 of 35 balls, and then right at the end, Josh Inglis departed for 73 of 42 balls. Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera completed the formalities and marched straight into Qualifier 1, with two opportunities to reach the final. Inglis getting the POTM Award.
Punjab Kings Are Looking Good
It was a seamless performance from the Punjab Kings, who bossed MI in all departments. Their opening pair and a strong middle order in Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh have made Punjab a strong batting unit. Their bowling is looking good too. History might just be waiting to be made. Punjab have things going right for them and look good enough to lay their hands on the IPL Trophy for the first time.
I am expecting a Punjab Kings and RCB Final.
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