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When they win, they win big
Mumbai Indians, the undisputed IPL powerhouses, are renowned for their never-say-die attitude. But even for them, some victories stand out—those snatched from the jaws of defeat by a whisker. This article delves into three such nail-biting encounters, where the Mumbai Indians emerged triumphant by higher margins, leaving fans breathless and the opposition shell-shocked.
May 6, 2017, witnessed a complete annihilation at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The Mumbai Indians went ballistic against the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), posting a mammoth 212 runs on the board. Lendl Simmons (66), promoted up the order, blazed a trail with a swashbuckling half-century, while Kieron Pollard's (63) calculated brutality at number 3 ensured a big total.
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MI vs. DD, 2017
The Daredevils' chase was a horror show from the get-go. Mumbai's bowlers, with their variations and pinpoint accuracy, ripped through the batting order like a knife through butter. Delhi capitulated for a meagre 66 runs, handing Mumbai a record-shattering victory by a margin of 146 runs—the biggest win in IPL history. This match epitomised Mumbai's ruthlessness, showcasing their ability to turn the tide with both bat and ball.
Two years later, on May 9, 2018, at the Eden Gardens, it was the Kolkata Knight Riders who felt the wrath of Mumbai's clinical precision. Ishan Kishan (62), a young talent at the time, blazed to a half-century, propelling Mumbai to a competitive 210 runs.
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Ishan Kishan showing his class
With a target in excess of 200, the onus was on KKR's batting heavyweights to deliver. But Mumbai had a cunning plan up their sleeve. They deployed a short-ball tactic, exploiting the KKR batsmen's vulnerability against pace. The strategy paid off handsomely, as the likes of Lynn (21) and Narine (4) were sent packing early.
KKR, restricted by the tight bowling and their own shortcomings, were bundled out for a mere 108 runs, handing Mumbai a comprehensive 102-run victory. This win underlined Mumbai's adaptability and their ability to devise strategies on the fly and exploit weaknesses.
Rewind to March 17, 2010. Delhi Daredevils, once again at the receiving end, were outplayed by a dominant Mumbai Indians outfit. Sachin Tendulkar, the batting maestro, rolled back the years with a scorching 63 off just 32 balls. He was ably supported by a young Saurabh Tiwary (61), who chipped in with a crucial half-century. Together, they propelled Mumbai to a daunting 218 runs.
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The little master is on attacking mode
Delhi's chase started on a promising note, with Dilshan (17) taking the attack to the bowlers. However, the loss of their star opener triggered a collapse. Sehwag (26), de Villiers (11), and Karthik (16) all fell in quick succession, leaving the middle order exposed. Mumbai's bowlers capitalised on the jitters, choking the run flow and picking up wickets at regular intervals.
Delhi, eventually, were bundled out for 120 runs, handing Mumbai a convincing 98-run victory. This match highlighted Mumbai's bowling depth and their ability to defend even a seemingly modest total.
These three encounters are a testament to the Mumbai Indians' unwavering spirit and cricket acumen. They showcase their ability to adapt, strategize, and execute under pressure. They are a reminder that in the IPL, where the tide can turn in a single over, the Mumbai Indians are the undisputed kings of the game.
