SRH 162/5 (20) MI 166/6 (18.1) – Mumbai Indians won by 4 wkts
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Will Jacks
Mumbai: The Mumbai Indians (MI) showcased their tactical astuteness on a slow Wankhede pitch, securing their third victory of IPL 2025 by four wickets against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday night. Winning a crucial toss, MI exploited the sluggish conditions perfectly, restricting SRH to a modest 162 for 5 before successfully chasing down the target with 11 balls to spare.
The hero of the night for MI was undoubtedly Will Jacks. After a quiet start to the season, the all-rounder delivered a vital 36 off 26 balls with the bat. However, his off-spin bowling proved even more impactful. Jacks masterfully countered SRH’s predominantly left-handed top order, claiming 2 wickets for a mere 14 runs in his three overs.
Jacks’ economical spell allowed MI to strategically delay the use of their Impact Player, a crucial tactical move considering they lost their leg-spinner, Karn Sharma, to an injury before he could bowl. This flexibility enabled MI to introduce Rohit Sharma as their Impact Player right at the beginning of their chase. The veteran opener provided crucial early momentum with a quickfire cameo. Contributions from Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya further ensured MI maintained control throughout their innings.
While the pitch conditions favored the bowlers, MI’s seamers also executed their plans impeccably. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack, but the collective effort of the fast bowlers, relying heavily on slower deliveries and well-directed yorkers, stifled the SRH batsmen on a surface that made aggressive power-hitting a challenge.
Earlier in the evening, SRH struggled to build a substantial total despite a 59-run opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both of whom benefited from early fielding errors. Abhishek top-scored with 40 off 27 balls before being dismissed. Head, however, struggled for timing, managing only 28 off 29 deliveries. A late surge in the final three overs, which yielded 46 runs thanks to Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, and Pat Cummins, helped SRH reach 162. Notably, all five sixes in their innings came during this final push, including some skillful shots over the covers, although a few were aided by hittable full tosses.
Chennai Super Kings Clinch Thrilling Victory Over Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow!
MI’s chase saw Rohit Sharma capitalize on his Impact Player role, providing early impetus with aggressive hitting, including a couple of signature pull shots for six. Rickelton initially struggled but found his rhythm with a series of boundaries. Despite a moment of luck when a no-ball reprieve saved his wicket, he was eventually dismissed for 31. The opening pair’s 57-run stand laid a solid foundation for MI.
The decisive partnership of the match came between Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav, who added 52 runs for the third wicket in just 29 balls. They attacked the SRH spinners, hitting four sixes and a four in three overs. By the time Cummins broke the partnership, MI needed a manageable 42 runs at less than a run a ball. Hardik Pandya accelerated the scoring with a flurry of boundaries, guiding MI to victory in the 19th over, despite a late two-wicket over from Eshan Malinga.
This victory underscores Mumbai Indians’ adaptability and tactical prowess, particularly their effective use of bowling variations on a challenging surface. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite a late fightback, their inability to capitalize on the slow pitch with their batting ultimately cost them the game.
