The final league stage match day of the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) featured two blockbusters. The first game saw Mumbai Indians (MI) host the already eliminated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At the same time, the second game would be a thriller played between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT).
Talking of the first game, Mumbai Indians skipper decided to bowl first after winning the toss. It looked like a poor decision as SRH openers smashed Mumbai bowlers all around the park during the start of play. Openers Vivrant Sharma (69 off 47) and Mayank Agarwal (83 off 46) stitched a massive 140-run opening partnership. Agarwal scored eight boundaries and four maximums in his emphatic knock. Final flourishes by skipper Aiden Markram (13 off 7) and Heinrich Klaasen (18 off 13) took the team total to 200/5 in 20 overs.
MI, RCB and RR are still alive in the Playoff race for IPL 2023
At one point in the innings, they seemed more than on course for a much larger total. Therefore, MI bowlers are to be credited for their maintenance of run-flow. Akash Madhwal remained the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 4/37 in his four overs. The remaining wicket that fell for the Sunrisers was scalped by Chris Jordan.
Next, in the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the commencement of the playoff stages will take place starting Tuesday, May 23. Notably, Gujarat Titans (GT), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are the three teams that have already qualified for the Playoffs in IPL 2023. The fight for the final position is between Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). While the Royals are all done with their games, the results of the games for MI and RCB will decide the fate of the final Playoff qualifier.
Here’s how fans reacted to Mayank Agarwal’s masterful knock vs MI:
Agle saal ka intejam ho gya ??
— ? it's A Girl ? (@aajkiladkii) May 21, 2023
RCB LAD playing well pic.twitter.com/bgUXUA66oB
— jobis johnson (@Unknown_mallu) May 21, 2023
Mi fans right now pic.twitter.com/HsBRyRx4o1
— Ben stokes (@Benstokes43) May 21, 2023
Redeemed for next year.
— Govind Varma (@varmagovind0507) May 21, 2023
Last two years Rohit Sharma 50s – 2
SRH openers 50s this match – 2Owned??
— Cheems Bond (@Cheems_Bond_007) May 21, 2023
— Vetrenyy ?? (@VetreniAnBoy) May 21, 2023
Need strong finish from SRH
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) May 21, 2023
Excellent Knock.
But
It is understandable if Mumbai Indians feel Sad but few or most Sun Risers fans are crying.
Reason – Blind Hatred on RCB ???..
Great Machas— CMA Monesh (@Cmamonesh) May 21, 2023
