Mumbai Indians defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in a high-scoring affair, finally breaking their opening match jinx after 13 years. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton shone with the bat, smashing blistering half-centuries to set up the victory. The five-time champions chased down a target of 221 runs with five balls to spare at the Wankhede Stadium.
Sharma and Rickelton’s Blistering Start
Rohit Sharma, who only plays the 50-over format for India, hit 78 runs off 38 balls, including six fours and six sixes. Ryan Rickelton supported him with 81 runs. The pair constructed a 148-run opening stand. Anukul Roy took a catch to dismiss Sharma.
Knight Riders’ Inning
Kolkata Knight Riders batted first after losing the toss. Ajinkya Rahane hit 67 off 40 balls after Finn Allen fell for 37. The team finished on 4-220. Rahane noted the inexperience of the bowling attack after the loss, mentioning it’s a learning curve playing against a strong batting line-up like Mumbai Indians.
Green’s Absence From Bowling
Cameron Green, the most expensive overseas buy in IPL history, contributed 18 runs but did not bowl. When questioned about Green not bowling, Rahane suggested asking Cricket Australia. Cricket Australia later clarified that Green has a lower back injury being managed, preventing him from bowling for a short period. They stated that KKR was aware of this information and that Green is rebuilding his bowling loads with a view to return in around 10-12 days.
“It’s been a long wait – 13 years is a long time,” Hardik Pandya said on breaking the opening game jinx.