This is a fan report on the Indian Premieur league match between Mumbai Indians and Bangalore's Royal Challengers.
The Mumbai Indians suffered a tough loss at the hands of Bangalore Royals, who came out with a determined performance in their second match of the season. Mumbai kept its hopes alive up until the last over.
Mumbai was led by Harbachan Singh,
in the absence of their Captain and the most famous Mumbaiker , Sachin Tendulkar. However, the former SA skipper, Shaun Pollock and former Srilankan skipper, Sanath Jayasurya were at hands to help him out. The Mumbai batting order with Jayasurya at the top gave a top flight performance, even without Tendulkar, scoring 165 runs out of the 20 overs.
It was an even batting performance from the Royals who rode the Indian under-19 world cup winning opener Kholi's electrifying knock. This was followed by a superb knock from Mark Boucher, their wicket keeper, who helped them cross the line with more than a few balls to spare. With Boucher hitting the ball cleanly, Harbachan needed a few tight overs. However, that is not to be, as Ashish Nehra, perhaps, showing some rust, as he as out of competitive cricket for a long time, bowled a few in areas where Boucher liked. He and Kallis took full toll on these loose balls hitting them for fours and sixes.
Earlier, the Royals had to overcome a fantastic spell of new ball attack from Shaun Pollock, who was at his miserly best. The Royals who have some of the most experienced middle order batsmen in the world cricket, never panicked, even when the run rate climbed to 10 or more. Captain Rahul Dravid and the great all rounder, Kallis, both of whom have faced many many match situations for their country, provided the solidity and turned in a run-a-ball performance.
The two South Africans, Mark Boucher and Kallis took the game away from the Mumbaikers in the last 10 overs, with a partnership that easily overcame an asking rate hovering around 10 runs. Mark Boucher was the man of the match. The cup reserved for maximum sixes was shared by the three South Africans, Shaun Pollock from Mumbai Indians and Kallis and Boucher from Royals, who all hit two sixes, each.
Mumbai Captain Harbachan opined the score of 160 Plus was very defendable and that the last two to three overs cost them dearly. He shared the dissapointment at loosing their opening fixture and gave fans hope that they'll look to come back and put up a better show next time.
The Royals' Captain, Dravid was a relieved man and said this was a much needed win for them. His team was keyed up going into this match, especially, after they lost their first home game of the season.
KEY BATTLE LINES
Shaun Pollock versus Rahul Dravid
Even stevens. Pollock won the battle of not giving away too many runs. But Dravid managed to keep his wicket intact.
Shaun Pollock versus Mark Boucher
Mark Boucher won this battle as he was determined to get his team across and even the great Shaun Pollock couldn't stop him.
