In a challenging match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, struggled on a tricky pitch with uneven bounce. They were dismantled by pacers Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green, each picking up two wickets in their initial spells. Mumbai could only manage a total of 147-8. West Indian spinner Sunil Narine was instrumental in stifling Mumbai’s middle order, conceding a mere 13 runs in his four overs. It took a late surge from Corbin Bosch, who struck two sixes in the final over off Kartik Tyagi, to push Mumbai’s total towards respectability.
Mumbai faced early setbacks, losing three wickets in the powerplay for the fifth time this season, reaching 46-4 after six overs. Skipper Hardik Pandya, returning from a three-game absence due to back spasms, and Tilak Varma stabilized the innings with a 43-run partnership, albeit at a slow pace, taking 49 deliveries.
Kolkata, coming off a strong run with four wins in their last five games, saw opener Finn Allen depart in the first over to Deepak Chahar. Despite a brief scare when Rahane and Green were dismissed quickly, Kolkata’s innings was steadied by Pandey and Powell. Pandey, the first Indian to hit an IPL century in 2009, batted for the first time this season and displayed his class with an important 45 runs.
The pair punished loose deliveries as the pitch eased out, but Pandey fell to a superb delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. Powell was caught brilliantly by Bosch, but Rinku Singh guided Kolkata to a close victory, keeping their hopes alive in the tournament. After the match, Pandey expressed his determination to contribute to the team’s success and secure a place in the top four.
