IPL 2022 | MI vs PBKS | Superstar, Under-performer, Unlucky Player of the Game

Mumbai Indians (MI) took on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 23rd match of IPL 2022 at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The game was a thriller and went down the wire. However, the fans were treated to a high-scoring affair as 384 runs were scored in the match.

There were a few brilliant and dramatic performances, but the 'Superstar of the Match' is Shikhar Dhawan.

Shikhar Dhawan: MI won the toss and decided to field first. PBKS started their innings with a blast as the openers in, Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan, gave them a solid and brisk start. Mayank was the aggressor as Shikhar Dhawan took time to settle down. But once Dhawan got in his groove, he continued his steady progress. The knock from Dhawan was a perfect example of an ideal T20 innings. Let us look at how Dhawan built his innings.

Table: Shikhar Dhawan Strike Rate vs MI

Underperformer of the match: Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar is an integral part of the PBKS bowling attack. He is entrusted with picking up wickets in the middle overs and putting the brakes on the opposition's scoring rate. But in this match against MI, Chahar failed to live up to the team's expectations. He was taken to the cleaners by Dewald Brevis, and he looked completely out of rhythm.

Expectations: According to Rahul Chahar's general IPL record, his bowling record should read on an average day.

Table: Rahul Chahar’s expected bowling figures

But his figures yesterday read thoroughly wayward from the expectations. He gave away 44 runs in his four overs without picking up a wicket. He has been in great form in this edition of the tournament picking up seven wickets in four matches at an average of 20.71. 

Dewald Brevis slammed 29 runs against Rahul in the 9th over of the MI innings. This gave MI great momentum in their chase, and they nearly chased down the target. However, Punjab managed to win the game in the last over. Rahul Chahar's expensive spell on the day earns him the 'Underperformer of the Match.'

Unlucky Performer of the match: Dewald Brevis

Dewald Brevis played a brilliant little gem for Mumbai Indians. He came to bat at a stage when the MI scorecard read 31 for 1 in the fourth over of the innings, and the second wicket fell soon. MI were under pressure being 32 for 2 in the fifth over while chasing 198 runs. But the South African youngster looked unfazed under pressure and played a great counter-attacking knock.

Here is his innings progression.

Table: Dewald Brevis’ Strike Rate vs PBKS

Observation: Dewald Brevis showed great composure even during his small little cameo. He took time to settle down first and could not open his account in the first eight deliveries. But in the next 17 balls, he scored 49 runs at a strike rate of 288.23. It was unfortunate that he was unable to carry the innings long. However, he changed the complexion of the game within a matter of deliveries. 

The lower middle order of the team succumbed under pressure, and Brevis' efforts went in vain. But with this brilliant knock, he has justified his nickname, 'Baby AB' and has shown the world that he is here to stay.