IPL 2019: Pollard\'s quickfire 83 overshadows Rahul\'s ton as Rohit-less MI beat KXIP

Mumbai: KL Rahul (100) and Chris Gayle (63) wreaked havoc for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), but that was not enough in their IPL game against Mumbai Indians as the hosts clinched a thrilling three wicket win thanks to Kieron Pollard.

The hosts were handed with a huge blow ahead of the game as Rohit Sharma was ruled out due to a leg spasm. Kieron Pollard was given the responsibility of leading the side in the permanent skipper’s absence.

After being put to bat by the hosts, the visitors got off to their best possible start, with the opening duo of Gayle and Rahul putting up a 116-run stand.

This came after a slow start at a time when KXIP’s total read as 11-0 after 3 overs.

Rahul’s 64-ball knock was all the more special— This was his maiden IPL ton. Interestingly, he played an innings of 94 off 60 balls at this very venue last year against MI last year in May.

However, the second half of KXIP’s innings belonged to the hosts- with all the wickets coming in the last 10 overs.

Hardik Pandya (2/57) picked up two wickets despite an expensive spell, whereas Jason Behrendorff (1/35) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/38) picked up a wicket each on a disappointing outing for the MI bowlers. KXIP finished at 197-4 from 20 overs.

Rohit’s absence in the playing XI was felt when Siddhesh Lad, who played his first match of the season, departed for a disappointing knock of 15. Quinton de Kock (24), too got off to a good start, but failed to convert the start into a big one.

In the end, Pollard played shots all over the place as he led MI to a thrilling three-wicket win thanks to his 31-ball 83, which consisted of 10 sixes and three fours.