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kieron-pollard
SRH endured their worst ever start to an IPL season after losing their 3rd consecutive match in the IPL 2021. With this defeat, SRH stay at the bottom of the IPL table. Meanwhile, MI now sit at the top of the IPL points table with 2 victories in 3 matches this season. Batting first, MI posted a total of 150 at the loss of 5 wickets. In reply, SRH were bowled out for 137, as MI won the match by 13 runs. That said, here is a list of 3 reasons why MI beat SRH in the 10th match of IPL 2021:
3. Kieron Pollard’s exploits with the bat at the death overs
MI looked to post a sub par total when Kieron Pollard stepped into the crease to bat. However, his introduction ensured that MI would post a defendable total of 150 on the board. The West Indian was dropped once, and he made sure SRH paid for the same. In just 22 balls, Pollard smashed 35 runs, including 1 four and 3 sixes. The West Indian registered the biggest six (105 metres) in IPL 2021 so far. Pollard was also quite economical with the ball. Bowling 2 overs, Pollard conceded just 10 runs in total. Owing to his brilliant all round performance, Pollard was awarded the Man of the Match award.
2. Silly mistakes conceded by SRH openers
In the match against MI this season, David Warner opened for the 1st time alongside Jonny Bairstow. While Warner kept ticking runs for his side, Bairstow looked the more threatening opener. In 22 balls, Bairstow amassed 43 runs at a blistering strike rate of 195.45. Meanwhile, David Warner played a stable knock of 36 off 34 balls. However, in an unfortunate series of events, Jonny Bairstow hit his foot unintentionally on the stump. Bairstow was declared hit wicket and SRH lost their most threatening batsman. Warner, on the other hand, got run out by a superb throw from Hardik Pandya.
1. SRH’s weak middle batting order
SRH could have easily won the match, but their finishers did not produce the results needed. Warner and Bairstow gave SRH a solid start to the run chase. Prior to the duo’s dismissal, the SRH batting lineup completely derailed. The batsmen from no 2 to no 7 could only contribute 50 runs from 56 balls. MI’s bowlers proved to be too good for the SRH batting lineup, and SRH eventually lost the match by 13 runs. SRH will have to address the conundrum of the middle order batting lineup if they want to win the IPL this season.