MI vs LSG: Nicholas Pooran’s 75 Seals 18-Run Win over LSG

Krunal Pandya's stunning catch and crucial wicket bring LSG back as MI reach 92/2 at halfway! © iplt20.com

Match Summary

Toss: MI won the toss and elected to bowl

Stadium: Wankhede Stadium

Result: LSG won by 18 runs

Player of the Match: NIcholas Pooran (LSG) – 75 (29)

The Mumbai Indians (MI) ended their IPL 2024 campaign on a disappointing note with a close yet heartbreaking 18-run defeat against the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite valiant efforts from Rohit Sharma and the MI bowlers, Nicholas Pooran’s explosive innings ensured LSG came out on top, though both teams ultimately missed out on playoff berths.

LSG Post 214 on Back of pooran’s Power

MI won the toss, electing to bowl first after LSG found themselves in early trouble. Their top order, a recurring issue throughout the season, faltered once again. Devdutt Padikkal’s duck set the tone, and Nuwan Thushara’s sharp new-ball bowling, along with Arjun Tendulkar’s swing, put the brakes on the LSG innings. Piyush Chawla’s experience with the spin proved valuable as he dismissed key batsmen Marcus Stoinis and Deepak Hooda in quick succession. LSG were tottering at 69/3 by the 10th over.

When things were looking bleak, Nicholas Pooran arrived at the crease and single-handedly revived the LSG innings. While KL Rahul struggled to score quickly, Pooran took the attack to the MI bowlers, particularly targeting the inexperienced Naman Dhir for a two-six onslaught. He even managed to smash Tendulkar for a boundary-laden over before the bowler was forced to leave the field due to injury. Pooran’s 29-ball 75, laced with audacious strokeplay and a touch of luck, propelled LSG to a respectable total of 214/6.

Rohit Shines, But MI Middle Order Crumbles

MI’s chase began brightly with Rohit Sharma, desperate to regain form before the T20 World Cup, finding his mojo. Alongside young Dewald Brevis, he launched a flurry of boundaries, seemingly unfazed by a brief rain delay. Rohit even took on the pace of Matt Henry and Naveen-ul-Haq, clearing the ropes with disdain. His fifty came off just 28 balls, putting MI well ahead in the chase.

However, the introduction of LSG’s spin duo, Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi, shifted the momentum. Their tight lines and cunning variations choked the flow of runs. Pandya took a spectacular catch to dismiss Brevis, while Bishnoi snagged a juggling effort to send Suryakumar Yadav packing for a golden duck. Rohit, who looked unstoppable earlier, sliced a delivery to short third, falling prey to Bishnoi’s spin.

Dhir’s Late Heroics Not Enough for MI

Hardik Pandya couldn’t capitalize on the platform set by Rohit, and Nehal Wadhera soon followed him back to the pavilion, both victims of Bishnoi’s sharp bowling. With their top and middle order dismantled, MI’s chase looked all but over.

However, Naman Dhir, whom Pooran had earlier pummeled, emerged as an unlikely hero. His audacious 28-ball 62, featuring some powerful sixes, rekindled a glimmer of hope for MI. But LSG’s fielding, particularly Krunal Pandya’s last-ditch effort on the boundary line, proved decisive in the end. MI fell short by 18 runs, condemning them to a disappointing last-place finish.

While LSG secured a consolation win, their overall campaign was a story of missed opportunities. Their inconsistent batting, particularly from the top order, and reliance on Pooran’s brilliance to bail them out were recurring problems. Their negative net run rate, a consequence of earlier close defeats, ultimately proved to be their undoing.

For MI, the season, they exposed their shortcomings in team balance and a lack of experience in their bowling attack. Rohit Sharma’s late flourish offered a glimpse of his potential, but it came a little too late for the team’s fortunes.