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IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab: Talking Points

Oct 19, 2020

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IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab: Talking Points Image

The league game between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab ended in a dramatic tie – the second of the day and fourth overall in the league – and had to be decided in a Super Over. The first Super Over was a tie as well, and we saw two Super Overs being played out in the same match – a first in the IPL – before Punjab walked away with 2 points.

Sunday treated cricket fans to two nail-biting games, but this one between Mumbai and Punjab will go down in history as one of the greatest games in the history of the league.

Here are the talking points from the game:

 

The decision to send Rohit Sharma for the first Super Over

Mumbai Indians decided to send Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma out for the first Super Over even though they had players like Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers waiting in the wings. Rohit was unwell and did not take the field in the second Super Over while de Kock needs a bit of time to get going. Pollard has a strike rate of more than 238 at the death this year and has not been out since the first game that MI played – over a month ago. Pandya too is a clean striker of the ball, and the duo could have cashed in and sent the yorkers over the stands. Eventually, KXIP defended 6 in the first Super Over as a second Super Over was needed.

 

The fourth Super Over of IPL 2020!

As many as four Super Overs have been played out in a month of IPL 2020, which only highlights the quality of cricket that has been on offer in the edition thus far. We started the season with a number of high-scores that were chased down and moved into Week 2 where another set of close and exciting games awaited us. However, week 3 and 4 saw a gap develop between the two halves of the table – while Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore flourished, teams such as Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab almost saw their IPL get over this year.

The weekend threw up four exciting games – with each going down to the wire. Currently, four teams have 6 points and an upset or two could really open up the table as we are in for a thrilling finish to the league stages.


More intent from KL Rahul on display

KL Rahul, despite owning the Orange Cap, has not been at his attacking best this season – a tactic that has been heavily criticized. However, on Sunday, the KXIP skipper started off on a fiery note as he smashed Trent Boult right, left and centre. Punjab ended the powerplay overs with 51 runs, of which Rahul scored 32 in 17 balls – his highest score in the first six overs since IPL 2019. After the match, Rahul admitted that the presence of a match-winner like Chris Gayle at number three has allowed him to play his natural game.