A blistering century stand between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton powered Mumbai Indians to a commanding six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
Chasing a daunting 229, MI made light work of the target, finishing at 229/4 in 18.4 overs. The result leaves MI ninth on the table with three wins from ten matches, while LSG remain bottom with two wins.
Earlier, LSG had posted a formidable 228/5 after being put in to bat, driven by an explosive innings from Nicholas Pooran, who smashed 63 off just 21 balls, including eight sixes.
Pooran, Marsh power LSG early surge
LSG’s innings got off to a flying start despite the early loss of Josh Inglis. Mitchell Marsh and Pooran took control during the powerplay, stitching together a 94-run partnership that dismantled the MI bowling attack.
© instagram.com/lucknowsupergiantsThe pair powered LSG to 90/1 in just six overs, with Pooran bringing up his fifty in only 16 balls. Marsh complemented him with a steady 44 off 25 balls.
However, MI clawed their way back through Corbin Bosch, who struck twice in one over, removing both Pooran and Marsh.
LSG then lost momentum as Rishabh Pant fell for 15, and Akshat Raghuwanshi departed for 11 soon after.
A late recovery came through an unbeaten 68-run stand between Himmat Singh (40*) and Aiden Markram (31*), pushing LSG to 228/5. MI bowlers managed to concede just 22 runs in the final three overs to contain further damage.
Rickelton, Rohit dismantle chase
In reply, Rickelton set the tone early, attacking Mohammed Shami and the LSG pace attack. MI reached 50 within five overs, with Rickelton leading the charge.
Rohit joined the assault in the powerplay, smashing Avesh Khan for 21 runs in an over as MI ended the powerplay at 71/0.
Rickelton brought up his half-century in just 22 balls, while Rohit followed with his own fifty in 27 balls. The duo added 143 runs for the opening wicket, effectively taking the game away from LSG.
Rickelton was eventually dismissed for 83 off 32 balls, caught by Inglis off Mohsin Khan. Rohit fell for 84 off 44 balls, caught off M Siddharth.
Despite a brief middle-order wobble, contributions from Naman Dhir (23*) and Will Jacks (10*) ensured MI crossed the line comfortably.
Brief Scores
LSG: 228/5 (Nicholas Pooran 63, Himmat Singh 40*, Corbin Bosch 2/20)
MI: 229/4 in 18.4 overs (Rohit Sharma 84, Ryan Rickelton 83, M Siddharth 2/47)
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