An inspired bowling performance from Mumbai Indians has finally helped them seal their first win of the ongoing Indian Premier League after they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets on Monday at Wankhede. Mumbai’s opener Ryan Rickelton hung in for the first time this season, blazing a determined 62-run knock unbeaten to guide the side to a thumping victory. It was a crucial and much-needed win for Mumbai, who have been struggling in the tournament, and it marked a successful return to their home ground, Wankhede.
Earlier, asked to bat first, KKR were unable to build a substantial innings against a fired-up Mumbai bowling attack. KKR were bundled out for a modest total of 116 runs in 16 overs. KKR batters were unable to find any comfort in the face of a sizzling bowling attack by MI bowlers. Mumbai’s Ashwani Kumar was instrumental in knocking down KKR’s formidable lineup, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul. He became the first Indian to take four wickets on an IPL debut. Other bowlers also supported him well as MI’s combined efforts left KKR’s lineup with no answers,
Chasing a manageable target of 116, MI openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton wasted no time in asserting their dominance. The chase was clinical, and the victory came in just 12.5 overs as MI finished at 121/2. Opener Ryan Rickelton was the star with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 62 runs from 41 balls.