IPL match report 2023:Qualifier 2 Match MI vs LSG: May 24, 2023

The Mumbai Indians’ dominant performance against the Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday night has propelled them into Qualifier 2, putting them within reach of lifting yet another IPL trophy. With five championship titles to their name, the Mumbai Indians have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

The star of the match was Akash Madhwal, who delivered an exceptional bowling performance, recording figures of 5 for 5 in just 3.3 overs. His impressive feat equals the best bowling figures by an Indian in IPL history. Madhwal could have taken even more wickets, but the Super Giants contributed to their own downfall with some absurd run-outs. One such dismissal was the result of a collision, abruptly ending Marcus Stoinis’ impressive innings of 40 off 27 balls. Another run-out occurred when both players found themselves at the same end. As a result, the Super Giants’ promising start, with the score at 74 for 3, quickly turned into a disappointing total of 101 all out while chasing a target of 183.

One of the key factors contributing to the Mumbai Indians’ success is their attention to detail and the ability to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. They astutely observed that the Super Giants were opening the bowling with spinners and took advantage of the rule that allows only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan capitalized on this opportunity, finding the gaps behind point and past fine leg to hit four boundaries in the first three overs. Despite the challenging conditions that were expected to restrict big hitters in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians cruised to a score of 98 for 2 at the 10-over mark, the third-highest 10-over score in Chennai this year. During this period, they smashed 15 boundaries, with Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav not only clearing the boundary but also hitting shots that sailed into the second tier of the stadium.

This season, several teams have experimented with three openers in their lineup, strategizing to introduce them when there’s an early wicket and keeping them in the hut when no early dismissal occurs. The Mumbai Indians are one of these teams, and this approach has helped them maintain a healthy tempo throughout their innings. They were on track to surpass the 200-run mark when Naveen-ul-Haq, the Afghanistan fast bowler, came into the attack and executed a simple but effective plan. Recognizing the need to vary the pace, even for the fast bowlers on the slow Chepauk pitch, he deceived Suryakumar with a well-disguised leg-cutter that resulted in a catch on the straight boundary. Two balls later, Naveen bowled an off-cutter that gripped the pitch and went through the gate of Cameron Green, dismantling his stumps. Naveen celebrated each of his four wickets by putting his fingers in his ears, possibly in response to the criticism he had received on social media following a previous altercation with Virat Kohli during the tournament.

Mumbai’s batting lineup was strategically light on batters in their chosen XI for the match. The logic behind this decision was that if they required an additional batter, they would substitute him in for a player who was already dismissed. This precise situation unfolded as Nehal Wadhera came in as a substitute for Suryakumar Yadav to face the final 21 balls of the innings. If his presence hadn’t been necessary, Mumbai might have opted to include an extra spinner to strengthen their defense of the target. By keeping both options open, Mumbai demonstrated a dynamic and unconventional approach in utilizing the Impact Sub. Wadhera played a significant role in Mumbai’s innings. He arrived at the crease when the team had managed only 30 runs in the previous 4.2 overs. However, he quickly turned the tide by smashing 23 runs off just 12 deliveries, including two fours and a six in the final over. His contribution proved vital in boosting Mumbai’s total.

Akash Madhwal, who was acquired by Mumbai for INR 20 lakh, has proven to be an excellent investment. Although he wasn’t initially part of the team’s Plan A, he made his mark when given the opportunity. In his first game after a month of waiting, he conceded 37 runs in three overs, two of which came at the death. Despite this initial setback, Madhwal has showcased his talent throughout the season. He has bowled a total of 129 balls, with 51 of them being delivered in the crucial overs 17 to 20. It’s remarkable that as a rookie, he has bowled 40% of his deliveries in the most challenging phase of a T20 game while maintaining an economy rate of 7.5. Only one fast bowler, Mohsin Khan from the opposing team, has performed better in this aspect (minimum 18 deliveries).

Madhwal’s most significant impact in the recent match came during the middle overs when he claimed two wickets in two balls. One of those dismissals was an absolute gem of a delivery. Bowling from around the wicket, he angled the ball into the left-handed Nicholas Pooran, which then nipped away off the pitch, resulting in a catch behind the stumps. Madhwal’s exceptional performance included bowling 17 dot balls in 21 deliveries and taking five wickets for just five runs. This feat marked the most destructive bowling performance in the history of IPL playoff matches.

Losing bowlers of the caliber of Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer would be a significant blow for most teams. However, the Mumbai Indians have shown resilience and adaptability, finding alternative strategies to compensate for their absence. Their depth in both batting and bowling, along with the emergence of talented players like Akash Madhwal, has allowed them to maintain their dominance in the tournament.

As they move forward in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians will continue to pose a formidable threat to their opponents. With their strategic approach, ability to capitalize on weaknesses, and the presence of skilled players, they are determined to secure their sixth championship title and leave a lasting mark in IPL history.