Finance
IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians: Yashasvi Jaiswal produced a superb century to assist Rajasthan Royals defeat Mumbai Indians at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Chasing a 180-run goal, Jaiswal finished undefeated on 104, with solid support from Jos Buttler (35) and Sanju Samson (38*) as the Royals triumphed by 9 wickets.
Sandeep Sharma of the Rajasthan Royals took five wickets, but Tilak Varma (65) and Nehal Wadhera (49) put on a 99-run stand for the fifth wicket to help Mumbai Indians to a difficult 179/9. Trent Boult also took a few wickets for the Royals. Earlier, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and chose to bat first against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. Mumbai made three changes to their XI, adding Nehal Wadhera, Piyush Chawla, and Nuwan Thushara. While Sandeep Sharma returned for Rajasthan Royals.
The Rajasthan Royals, who are currently in first place in the standings, will meet the Mumbai Indians in their upcoming IPL 2024 match on Monday in Jaipur. RR leads the table with 12 points from seven matches, including six victories and one defeat. Meanwhile, MI is ninth with six points from seven games, comprising three victories and four losses. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium has become a stronghold for RR, who have a 3-1 record here this season, making it a daunting job for MI on Monday.
After a slow start, Hardik Pandya’s team has finally gained traction this season. MI faced RR earlier this season and lost by six wickets. Chasing 126, RR eased to 127/4 in 15.3 overs, thanks to a half-century from Riyan Parag (54*). Meanwhile, Akash Madhwal bagged three wickets for MI. Initially, three-wicket hauls from Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult saw RR restrict MI to 125/9 in 20 overs.
MI will be hoping for a better performance, but are against a side, who have found inspiration in all departments. Jos Buttler heroics saw them seal a record run-chase win against KKR, as they reached a target of 224 off the last ball. Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has been ever-reliable this season.
On the other hand, MI are riding on the back of a victory. They overcame a spirited PBKS side, to win by nine runs. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been in good form with the bat, alongwith Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit and Ishan Kishan have scored 334 runs in the powerplay in IPL 2024, at a combined strike rate of 176.72, compared to RR’s opening Yashasvi Jaiswal and Buttler, who have managed 204 runs in this phase, at a combined SR of 136.91. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has arguably been the best bowler in IPL 2024, and has been well-supported by SA pacer Gerald Coetzee. Speaking ahead of the match, Coetzee said, “As a modern-day cricketer, you must be adaptive to whatever role you are given. I haven’t bowled much in the powerplay, but I’m really enjoying it. I love the middle overs, and I’ve grown to love the death. As someone who likes wickets, it’s prime time to take wickets.”
Meanwhile, Pandya is set to play his 100th match for MI. He was released by MI in 2022 and joined GT, where he was appointed captain. He led GT to the championship in their first season, followed by a second-place result. He returned to MI in an unexpected transfer before of the auction last year. During his first spell with MI (2015-21), he was instrumental in the team’s championship victories in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. In 99 MI matches, he scored 1617 runs at an average of 26.95 and a strike rate of 153.27, including four half-centuries. His highest score is 91*. He has also taken 46 wickets, with his best statistic of 3.20.
Source:HT
