IPL 2018: Virat Kohli's efforts in vain as Mumbai Indians outclass RCB at Wankhede
Mumbai: Virat Kohli's (92) batting efforts went in vain as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were outclassed by Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) by 46 runs in the 14th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) at Wankhede Stadium here on Tuesday.
With this win, MI have opened their account in the IPL after three back-to-back defeats.
Earlier, MI got to their worst possible start as Umesh Yadav removed Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan off the first two balls of the match.
However, Rohit Sharma (94) and Evin Lewis (65) built a 108-run stand to lift the hosts' hopes of a big total.
While Krunal Pandya departed for 15, his brother Hardik remained unbeaten on 17 as MI scored 213-6 from 20 overs.
RCB, who were without star man Brendon McCullum, got off to a strong start in reply, aggregating 40 runs from four overs as Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock opened the innings.
However, New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan struck as he removed de Kock for 19 runs.
Soon followed AB de Villiers, who departed for just one run.
This was followed by a 33-run stand between Kohli and Mandeep Singh, after which the latter was stumped by wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
However, RCB's worries did not seem to end as they lost Corey Anderson and Sarfaraz Khan.
After enjoying a 32-run partnership with Kohli, Chris Woakes was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah for 11 runs, bringing Umesh Yadav in at number nine.
Bumrah picked up another wicket in Umesh Yadav (1 run), as the latter's life at the crease was cut short.
During the run chase, however, MI were handed a huge blow as Ishan Kishan was forced off the field after having been hit on the eye by the ball. The wicketkeeper was then replaced by Aditya Tare, who had successfully stumped Sarfaraz. For MI, though, Krunal Pandya was the star as he finished with a spell of four for 28 from four overs.
In the end, RCB finished at 167-8, thereby suffering their third defeat this season.
While Mumbai Indians face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur on April 22, RCB will lock horns at their home turf against Delhi Dardevils (DD) on April 21.
