How MI's Tactical Pitch Masterclass Outclassed SRH's Heavyweight Batters?

MI pitch masterclass [Source: AP Photo]

300 runs were expected to be scored as Sunrisers Hyderabad collided with Mumbai Indians at the iconic batting paradise of Wankhede Stadium. However, so far, things have not gone according to the batters as MI masterclass neutralised the SRH heavyweight batters.

MI won the toss and Hardik Pandya elected to bowl first as fans anticipated a high-scoring run-feast. However, what followed was a brilliantly executed bowling plans by Hardik Pandya and his team members.

How MI outsmarted SRH batters

Wankhede is known as a batting paradise with batters enjoying their outing. SRH have five quality and aggressive batters in their lineup and if a flat surface was provided to them, then they would have feasted on it, instead, MI played a punt and it worked.

A sluggish surface was given to their batters which nullified their big-hitting abilities. The ball wasn't coming onto the bat properly and the likes of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan struggled for runs. They added just 46 runs in the power-play, which showcased MI's brilliant bowling and their inability to play on a tricky spin-wicket.

SRH also expected a belter to be given for this clash, but there hopes were dashed away when MI produced a slow turner.

SRH Barely touching 150

Not only the opening pair, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma (Travishek), but the middle order batters including Heinrich Klaasen struggled for runs as MI choked their batters and kept the scoreboard quiet.

The slow turner worked against the strengths of SRH batters and this was a cleverly devised plan as at the time of writing, SRH are 111-3 (15.4).

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