Akash Madhwal’s sensational debut five-wicket haul (5/5) stole the show as Mumbai Indians outclassed Lucknow Super Giants by a commanding 81-run margin in the Eliminator, securing their spot in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2023.
The Mumbai Indians showcased their batting prowess through attacking cameos from Cameron Green (41 off 23), Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 20), Tilak Varma (26 off 22), and the Impact Player of the Match, Nehal Wadhera (23 off 12), guiding their team to a competitive total of 182/8.
However, it was Akash Madhwal who stole the spotlight with a mesmerizing bowling spell, tearing through the Lucknow Super Giants’ batting order. Their side, led by Krunal Pandya, collapsed under immense pressure and were eventually bowled out for 101, including three unfortunate run-outs.
Watch: LSG vs MI highlights
In pursuit of 183, the Lucknow Super Giants faced early setbacks as they lost Prerak Mankad. They had a moment of fortune when Kyle Mayers survived a run-out chance in the first over.
Mayers’ luck, however, did not last long as he mistimed his pull and was caught at mid-on off Jordan in the fourth over. Although Lucknow Super Giants managed to build a partnership, Piyush Chawla ended their hopes by dismissing captain Krunal Pandya (8 off 11) with a catch at long-on.
Under mounting pressure, Ayush Badoni fell prey to the situation, attempting a swing across the line off Madhwal but missing it entirely, resulting in his off stump being knocked down.
Madhwal struck again the very next ball, capturing the prized wicket of Nicholas Pooran with a caught-behind dismissal. At the halfway mark, Lucknow Super Giants found themselves struggling at 75/5.
The situation worsened for the Lucknow Super Giants when Stoinis was run out after a mid-pitch collision with Hooda while attempting a tight second run. An outstanding joint effort between Green and Rohit saw Gowtham run out as Rohit achieved a direct hit from covers.
With the pressure mounting, another mix-up led to Deepak Hooda’s dismissal in the same over, reducing the Lucknow Super Giants to 100/9.
Madhwal fittingly ended the IPL 2023 eliminator match by clean bowling Mohsin Khan with a brilliant yorker, completing his maiden five-wicket haul in the IPL and securing the best bowling figures in IPL 2023 so far.
Also Read: IPL 2023: CSK Storm Into Final With Commanding Win Over Gujarat Titans
