IPL 2018: Analysis of Mumbai Indians all-rounder Krunal Pandya's effort against Chennai Super Kings in opener

Ajit Vijaykumar 21:32 07/04/2018
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  • All-rounder Krunal Pandya hit 41 not out off 22 deliveries as Mumbai Indians reached 165-4 against Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of IPL 2018.

    On a wicket that had enough help for fast bowlers, Krunal provided a timely boost at the end of the innings to take Mumbai to a competitive total.

    Here was take a look at the all-rounder’s batting effort on Saturday.

    STATISTICS

    RUNS: 41*

    BALLS FACED: 22

    BOUNDARIES: 5

    SIXES: 2

    STRIKE RATE: 186.3

    30-SECOND REPORT

    The Mumbai all-rounder provided the perfect impetus at the end of the innings when Mumbai looked like getting somewhere close to 150. He targeted both sides of the field and took special liking to Chennai’s England pacer Mark Wood, hitting him for four boundaries and two sixes in his last two overs.

    His attacking instincts made up for the below-par effort of brother Hardik who only managed 22 off 20 balls and injured his foot twice during the innings. Krunal was the man of the match for Mumbai in the 2017 final win and proved his worth again.

    GOT RIGHT

    Targeted the strongest bowler in Chennai side – Wood. The English seamer’s first two overs went for 12 runs but by the time Krunal was done, Wood had gone for 49 runs in four overs on his IPL debut. Krunal also took pressure off Hardik.

    GOT WRONG

    If anything, he didn’t get enough runs in the final over. Mumbai were on 160 and could realistically have gone beyond 170. But credit must also be given to Dwayne Bravo who used all his experience to keep the scoring down to five runs.

    VERDICT: 8/10

    The perfect start to the league for the Mumbai all-rounder who was the player of the match in last year’s victorious effort in the final. On a wicket where fast bowlers were getting a lot of help, he looked at ease. Worth every rupee for Mumbai.

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