By Razeen Gutta
The Mumbai Indians went one step closer to another Indian Premier League final, with Akash Madhwal putting in a record-breaking performance with the ball at the expense of the Lucknow Super Giants who have now exited the competition.
Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first in the eliminator, looking to follow in the footsteps of MS Dhoni, whose Chennai Super Kings side won the first qualifier in Chepauk on Tuesday.
Sharma’s troops put up a solid 182/8 in their 20 overs, with Cameron Green (41) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) top-scoring for them.
In response, the Super Giants failed to even compete, with Madhwal’s 5/5 ensuring Lucknow were bowled out for just 101.
The 29-year-old was the first ever bowler to take a five wicket haul in the playoff stages of the IPL; and the special performance was one he was waited a long time for.
“I have been practicing a lot and waiting for my opportunity. I have done engineering, cricket is my passion and I have been waiting for this since 2018,” he said as picked up his man of the match award.
“When we practice in the nets, the management gives us the target and we try to execute our best. Hoping to do well in the coming games and want to end up as champions. The wicket of Nicholas Pooran was most pleasing for me.”
Madhwal and Mumbai will take on defending champions the Gujarat Titans on Friday, with a final against the Chennai Super Kings awaiting the victors.
Pictured above: Akash Madhwal
Image source: @VirenderSehwag