IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya sends Nitish Rana off with an interesting celebration

Mumbai Indians were back to their dominant best during last night’s encounter as they thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders in an all-important fixture, swapping the places on the points table. The massive 102-run victory has affected the net run rate of the KKR. After posting a massive total on the board, Mumbai Indian bowlers ripped the KKR batting apart as they were bundled for 108 runs.

Pandya’s celebration

Pandya brothers shared 4 wickets between them. Narine’s wicket in the first over didn’t help KKR’s cause as he was promoted at the top again to score briskly. After a start, Chris Lynn was run out following a mix-up. Left-handed Nitish Rana showed resistance as he smashed a couple of fours and six.

However, one of the weak links of his batting was exposed once again when flamboyant all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s well-directed bouncer was good enough to get him a wicket. Rana’s attempted hook was pouched by Ben Cutting. After taking the wicket, it looked as if Pandya was showing the dressing room route to his former Mumbai Indians mate Rana.

The video:

M41: KKR vs MI – Nitish Rana Wicket https://t.co/yNgsjrxotg

— Sahil Bakshi (@SBakshi13) May 10, 2018

Ishan Kishan’s dominating innings

KKR’s dismal record against Mumbai Indians looked far from improving when 19-year old Ishan Kishan pummeled the bowlers all around the park. Earlier, after winning the toss, KKR skipper had opted to chase down the target. Mumbai Indians started cautiously with openers Evan Lewis and Surya Kumar Yadavkeeping the scoreboard ticking. It was Ishan Kishan who were in no mercy mood from the time he joined skipper Rohit Sharma in the middle.

Kishan was beaten on the first delivery he faced from Kuldeep Yadav but returned the favour next ball as he deposited him over the long-on. The next over Kuldeep bowled, well, he won’t be forgetting that anytime soon. The left-handed Kishan smashed him for 4 consecutive sixes, reaching his half-century in 17 balls. Sunil Narine after being hit for a six removed the batsman for a 21-ball 62. Cutting and Krunal added important runs in the final over which was surprisingly bowled by Piyush Chawla as Mumbai went past the 200-run mark.

Regular wickets during the run chase meant that KKR were never in the match. Mumbai Indians now sit at number 4 in the points table, the equation of playoffs looks nothing but interesting.

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