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IPL 2020 | MI vs KXIP: Rahul, Shami buoyed KXIP hold nerves to clinch second Super Over


Brief scores:

Mumbai Indians 176/6 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 53, Kieron Pollard 34*, Krunal Pandya 34; Mohammad Shami 2-30, Arshdeep Singh 2-35)

tied with

Kings XI Punjab 176/6 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 77; Jasprit Bumrah 3-24, Rahul Chahar 2-33) Kings XI Punjab won the second Super Over.

Woof! Let's all take a moment to grab hold of our breaths. These heart-testing nail-biters are compensating big time for the plethora of adversities 2020 had in store for mankind. Kings XI Punjab snavelled two points in their reverse fixture against Mumbai Indians in an edge-of-the-seat David vs Goliath thriller which was decided on the virtue of not one but two mouth-watering Super Overs on Sunday, October 19.

Punjab yet again made a meal of their 177-run chase towards the fag end despite talisman Rahul leading the charge with his sixth fifty of the season. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were two peas in a pod during the opening round of tie-breakers, unleashing a slew of picture-perfect yorkers to draw stalemate. However, Agarwal exorcised the ghosts of his previous glitch with a near 10-feet jump in the second Super Over to parry back a definite six and then rocked consecutive fours to officially finish proceedings in what was bedlam for the ages at Dubai.

Business as usual for the skip!

Vandalisers Rahul and Gayle bossed the chase with swagger in the initial ten after Mayank Agarwal exhausted his share of cheat codes, the zing bails shaved by Jasprit Bumrah's inducker. The opener sneaked away with a faint edge off Trent Boult as the quick's vociferous appeal received little to no support, before an erroneous chip eluded Suryakumar Yadav's zealous plunge at mid-on. PowerPlay restrictions done and dusted, the digital screens beamed a thriving 51/1.

Don't count Mumbai out just yet

While Gayle fancied a tiny shimmie and lambasted Nathan Coulter-Nile straight into the media box, Rahul cashed in on Boult's waist-high bumpers with a set of disdainful pulls. Although Rahul stood firm like a rock, MI kept punching holes at the other end. Gayle picked the bones out of Rahul Chahar's half-tracker but registered zilch height, as Boult reverse cupped to send him trudging for 24.

Nicholas Pooran was just beginning to grow in confidence when Rohit Sharma reverted to the ace up his sleeve and he didn't disappoint. Bumrah took the left-hander out of the equation for 24 courtesy a desperate swish. The skipper then added another feather to his cap by introducing Rahul Chahar in front of Glenn Maxwell, who's had a well-documented history with arch-nemesis leg-spinners. The carrot was dangled a whale outside the off-stump as the under-fire Aussie fell for the bait, perishing nicking behind to Sharma, who astutely stationed himself at slip. The mother of plot twists cropped up forthwith as an on-song Rahul was dumbfounded by Bumrah's 149kmph gate-crashing yorker, that not only dismantled his stumps but crashed Punjab's hopes of winning the encounter in a bottle job storyline that has become familiar over the course of this season.

KXIP bang in the middle of the choke-zone

The equation boiled down to 22 off a dozen, with Deepak Hooda and Chris Jordan thrust upon the responsibility of powering KXIP home. Two streaky boundaries and a shelled chance later, the bottom line was nine off the last six deliveries. Boult, the defender at work, was carved off the pads in all glory off the very first ball but Coulter-Nile at short backward square couldn't latch on, notwithstanding a goalie style dive to his right. In all fairness, he actually prevented a certain four there.


The butterflies started dangling in the stomachs as KXIP entered the messing up territory, 3 now required off as many balls. Hooda dug out almost a tramline wide to fetch a single off the penultimate ball, shrieking it further to a nerve-wracking 2 off 1. Jordan squeezed a block-hole thunderbolt into the empty pockets of mid-wicket, but Kieron Pollard swooped in from the long-on hotspot and inflicted an electric pick-up and throw in one motion to deny KXIP the requisite brace by an inch at the striker's end.

Mumbai shoot themselves in the foot

Earlier, MI rammed into the proverbial cul-de-sac right away. Arshdeep Singh drew first blood, albeit more by accident than by design as Rohit Sharma chopped on in a bid to steer one down third man. Suryakumar Yadav's head fell across perilously as an erratic flick landed in mid-wicket's palms off Mohammed Shami. Ishan Kishan threw the kitchen sink at Singh's long hop only to offer third-man some nice catching practice, leaving MI in a blind alley at 38/3.

Krunal-de Kock at the heart of MI's riposte

However, Quinton de Kock and Krunal Pandya grabbed control of the steering wheel, fashioning a 58-run stand to help MI take baby steps towards a number worth bowling at. Any indiscretions in terms of width were berated to either side of the wicket while generosity in a couple of byes and an overthrow vitalised their cause. The lefties had just got under KXIP's skin when Ravi Bishnoi provided the breakthrough, duping Pandya into a toe-edged sweep for 34.


Pollard-Coulter-Nile twist KXIP's arm

While Hardik Pandya amazed to deceive, de Kock accrued a hat-trick of fifties - four in last five games - before yanking Chris Jordan's in-the-slot length ball to deep mid-wicket. Kieron Pollard and Nathan Coulter-Nile served KXIP a cordial reminder of the chinks in their death bowling armour, lacing 57 off 21 versus a ballast of overcooked short stuff. Pollard cudgelled a six-studded 34 off 12 while his partner concluded with an equally searing 24 off 12. For stat geeks, this was the quickest 50-run partnership in the ongoing edition. Probably just one amongst the sling of trivial records shattered on a wild, crazy night.

Next on the itinerary

Enduring baptism by fire, KXIP have a day's breather to let the mayhem sink in as Delhi Capitals lurk with an eye at the qualifier berth on Tuesday, October 20. The plug was pulled on their Houdini act at the eleventh hour but MI will take the positives in their stride and roll forward to meet Chennai Super Kings on Friday, October 23. Easy fodder? Sharjah with the answers.

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IPL 2020 | MI vs KXIP: What experts said as KXIP bounce back after dramatic super overs

The match between the Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab saw an unprecedented situation in the history of T20 cricket as the match was tied twice- first in the 20th over the game while the second time in the super over. That led to chaotic situations on the field as there was a serious lack of clarity on the issue of who among the ones who batted can be eligible to bat again in the second super over. The Kings XI Punjab got the better of the Mumbai Indians, although a long and vigilant battle. Captain’s take Winning captain KL Rahul was aware of the team’s history in the IPL 2020 and as well as affirmed their efforts to avoid making winning by difficult situations a habit. He also said that the team has been working very hard irrespective of the result in matches and their position on the points table. He accepted the problem his team is facing in closing out games even from commanding positions. “It is not the first time. But we don't want to make a habit out of it. We will take the two points in the end. It doesn't always happen the way you plan so you don't really know how to stay balanced. I was just hoping we get over the line because the boys have been working really really hard. In the games that we have lost, even then we have played well and just not been able to get over the line,” Rahul said in the post-match presentation. On the issue of how the team strategies the twin super overs, Rahul said that no team can prepare for a super over, and in the case when they have to face the challenge, captains have to trust the bowlers’ guts. Heaping praise on Shami who denied the Mumbai Indians when they needed a mere 6 runs from the first super over, Rahul said “He was very clear he wanted to go six yorkers. He has been phenomenal and keeps getting better every game. It is important that senior players win the games for the team.” On the feeling of relief in the camp after two wins on the trot, Rahul said that the team is focused and taking one game at a time. He also said that these wins are bringing happiness back into the squad but at the same time, the players are aware of the challenges ahead of them in winning every game they are to face in the season to have a chance to make into the playoff. “We still want to take it one game at a time. It is sweet after the kind of matches we have lost but the talk in the dressing room is to focus on the process. We know we need to win everything from here, but we can't forget the processes that lead to a win,” Rahul added. Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma was unwell and hence could not make it to the chat with the host broadcaster. Kieron Pollard attended the customary interaction on his place and said that the loss in the second super over against the Kings XI Punjab was not the worst thing that has happened to the men in blue and that they would move on from here to the next games. Experts’ take The game saw an unprecedented situation of two super overs and experts were having a busy night on Sunday. For cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle this game was the best of the IPL 2020 where both the team had their moments and both of them squandered their advantages. He also reminded the world of the value that experienced players with tested skills and presence of mind bring to the table for a team. No doubt, he was praising Chris Gayle who nonchalantly hit Boult for a six off the first ball of the super over. Earlier, Bhogle was in sheer amusement over Bumrah’s brilliance in the first super over and said that the speedster is one of those characters who love occasion. Aakash Chopra predicted correctly about two super overs in a day well before the last over began. Veteran cricket journalist Sambit Bal was of the view that both the occurrence of super overs were the results of mishandling of chase by the Sunrisers in the first game and the Kings XI Punjab in the second. He also suggested that the KXIP should get the award for most dramatic finishes in IPL games, irrespective of what could have been the result of the second over.

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IPL 2020 | SRH vs KKR: Hits and Flops as Lockie Ferguson bowls over Warner and Co.

Not often do you see a bowler playing his first match in the tournament win it for his team in the super over especially after having single headedly taken them through in the regular time as well. But Lockie Ferguson did it as his brilliant spell both in the regular time and in the super over led to a victory for KKR in Abu Dhabi, their first after two humiliating defeats and a mid-season captaincy change. Having lost the toss and batted first, KKR were bailed out by their current and former captains in the form of Eoin Morgan and Dinesh Karthik after the start given by their openers, suddenly seemed like a waste after three quick wickets. But Karthik’s quickfire 29 off 14 and a good partnership of 58 from 30 among them helped Kolkata reach a respectable and fighting total of 163. But their bowlers came out the real hero, led by the man with the mustache, Ferguson. Even after a strong partnership from the opening pair of Kane Williamson and Jonny Bairstow, the KKR bowlers pulled thing back courtesy of a mini-collapse caused by Ferguson and well supported by the rest. Eve a late strive by Warner could only take them to a super over, where they were humbled by Ferguson once again. On that note, let us look at the Hits and Flops from the game in the segment below. Hits #1 Lockie Ferguson Coming to bowl when the team was down and out, Ferguson’s early strike jolted the Sunrisers and as if the wicket of a settled Kane Williamson was an upset, that of Priyam Garg and Manish Pandey, after they went out without troubling the scorers much, definitely shocked the entire team. Ferguson’s best however came when he was reintroduced in the attack in the 18th over when he just gave seven runs and bowled two dot balls as well when the asking rate was at more than 12 an over. He brought the team back into the game as now 30 were needed of the two. But as the game went into the Super Over, and with him bowling the super over, Ferguson did what most players haven’t in the league, picked two wickets and gave away just two runs, winning the game for his team. If the entire match is taken into perspective, then it was actually a five-wicket haul for the Kiwi as he took three in the regular game and two in the Super Over. He finished with the figures of 3/15 in his quota of four overs and for winning the match, was adjudged Man of the Match. #2 Dinesh Karthik It was a rare occasion for the viewers as it was the second time only in nine matches that Karthik entered the list as a batsman. He made a quickfire 29 0ff 14 deliveries and the knock included two sixes and two fours. Karthik’s 58 run partnership with Morgan was one of the turning points of the game as that led to a respectable total for the team. #3 Eoin Morgan The captain was in full touch today as he not only scored a quick run but also rotated his bowlers in such a way that the team was able to defend the total. Ferguson in his post-match interview also said that it was the ‘calmness of Morgs’ that helped him deliver the way he did. In his innings of 39 off 23 balls, Morgan hit two fours and two sixes. His perseverance with Ferguson also paid dividends in the Super Over and his calmness in scoring the three runs required was also brilliant. Flops #1 Andre Russell Although ended up on the winning side Russell’s performance with the bat and the ball were nothing but forgetful. Having failed with the bat earlier in the day, he was entrusted with the responsibility of defending 17 runs in the last over, but ended up conceding those 17 and tied the game. The fact that he was almost limping by the end of his spell, also shows that he was not fully fit, another matter where he lagged as a utility player. In batting too, he could not build a partnership with captain Morgan and was dismissed cheaply for just 9 off 11 balls. #2 Basil Thampi Basil Thampi was playing his first game in the tournament and bowled well in the initial overs. But the way he was taken for cleaners in the last over is something that is a lesson for the young guys on where not to bowl in the death. From giving just six runs in his first over and hitting good areas, Thampi ended his spell with the figures of 1/46 in four overs and the 167 runs that he gave in the last over made all the difference in the end as every run counted. Special Mention: Manish Pandey At a time when the team lost three quick wickets, it was expected from an experienced Manish Pandey that he would stick around and play the anchor as Warner and Co. accelerated. However, that could not happen as the Karnataka man was bamboozled by a brilliant Yorker from Ferguson. Not being able to deliver when required makes him a special flop in the game.

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IPL 2020 | SRH vs KKR: 'This Lockie ain't low-key', Twitter reacts to KKR's thrilling Super Over win

It takes two to tango and Kolkata Knight Riders managed to put up 55 runs in the last five overs to take their score of 163/5 in 20 overs. Dinesh Karthik made an unbeaten 14-ball 29* while Eoin Morgan hit 34* off 23 balls. But the star of the day was Lockie Ferguson, who scalped three big wickets and conceded mere 15 runs in his quota of four overs. The Kiwi pacer bowled at the right areas and made good use of the slowish nature of the pitch by mixing his deliveries. His job wasn’t done yet as Sunrisers Hyderabad bottled up the chase after being in touching distance at the fag end of the chase. David Warner tapped in for a single to tie the scores which resulted in a Super Over. “I think getting David Warner out especially at the start of the super over [was my favourite wicket]. It's great having Morgs at the top off the mark with his calmness and of course I had my plan which was working throughout the game. Look we'll take this win and enjoy tonight, it was a very good win on a tough wicket. It was nice to put the icing on the cake after the batsmen's effort.” Ferguson said as he collected the man of the match award after his maiden appearance this season. Ferguson was right on the money as he castled Warner’s stumps in the very first delivery of the face-off. He then bowled a slower ball to outfox Abdul Samad, who went for a big ambitious slog. KKR had to chase 3 runs off 6 deliveries and the experienced duo of Karthik and Morgan knocked off those runs to bag a much-needed win to get their campaign back on track.

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IPL 2020 | SRH vs KKR: What experts said as Lockie Ferguson decimates Sunrisers

Lockie Ferguson [produced arguably the best bowling of fast bowling in IPL 2020 so far and powered the Kolkata Knight Riders home against the Sunrisers Hyderabad who were always behind in the game since the dismissal of Kane Williamson after an impressive start. Andre Russell almost let the match go away from the Knight Riders with pedestal bowling but luckily dragged the game to the super over for Ferguson to unleash his best. The kiwi paceman was too quick for David Warner on the first ball and followed up with a fast and full incomking ball to Abdul Samad and ended the luck for Sunrisers on the day. Captain’s views A disappointed David Warner was clueless to pick up a single point behind the team’s defeat but blamed the lack of performances in closing out games and giving away twoo many runs in the middle overs as the two main reasons behind the Sunrisers’ loss against the Knight Riders. “I don't know where to start. At the end of the day, we probably leaked a few too many in the middle overs and at the back end. For us it's about finishing games and we've failed the last 2-3 occasions,” Warner said to the host broadcaster Star in the post-match interaction. Reviewing his decision to bowl first after winning the toss and whether he was iinj some doubts about the decisions, Warner said he trusted the pitch to to change a lot over the course of 40 overs and neither did it change in his fair assessment on the nature of the pitch. “Not at all in two minds about bowling first. I thought this was a nice wicket that wouldn't change and to be fair it didn't,” Warner added. The winning captain Eoin Morgan ecstatic at the win after some poor performances in the last few games. He also spoke highly of Lockie Ferguson who knocked off the Sunirsers batting line up first in the main set of overs before following it up in the super over. “For Lockie to come in and perform in both phases was outstanding. We've been sort of striving to get wins out of the last couple of games, didn't happen against Mumbai; today we were competitive,” Morgan said in the post-match presentation. Discussing the batting positions of various batsmen in the Kolkata batting order, Morgan said that the team management is fluid about the issue and all depends on the situations in a [particular match that dictates the batting order. Morgan came in support of Andre Russell who leaked as many as 17 runs in the last over and almost lost the game before saving the match for the super over. “ Dre went off the field, we thought he was injured. He came back on and said he could bowl. I think he showed a lot of character to get us to the Super Over after not starting well. He's a superstar player for us. Hopefully we can gather up some momentum after this,” Morgan said. Experts’ take Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle was awestruck by Ferguson's exploits on the day and was of the view that the KKR management treated him like a diamond and unleashed when the situation demanded. Aakash Chopra, too, reminded the world of Lockie Ferguson’s match-turing performance and hailed his skills to dismiss best batsmen in the opposition line up with a proper wicket taking deliveries. Chopra also commended Abdul Samad and said that the batsman from Jammu has it in him what is needed to be successful in IPL. Veteran cricket journalist Ayza Memon suggested that Lockie Ferguson deserves more than a man of the match trophy and that the Red Chillies Entertainment owned by the KKR owner Sharukh Khan should offer him a lead role in a film.