Mumbai Indians have jumped to the fifth spot in IPL points table after downing Rajasthan Royals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. 

The defending IPL champions chased down the 91-run target in 8.2 overs, thanks to a Ishan Kishan special.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was awarded the Player of the Match award for his 4/14 in his quota of four overs. The Australian never allowed the RR batsmen to pull through in the first innings.

“Just trying to keep simple. It was a hard wicket to bat on. I’m not fussed about when I come to bowl,” he said.

Kishan is back with a bang

After a series of disappointing outings, Ishan Kishan returned to his absolute best against Rajasthan Royals.

Covering more than half of what the target was, Kishan remained unbeaten at 50*.

The left-handed batter was promoted up the order for the first time this season in place of Quinton de Kock. 

Opening with skipper Rohit Sharma, the lefty-righty duo gave a blistering start to the reigning champions.

By the time Hardik Pandya came in to bat at No.4, the game was already up for grabs for the defending champions.

“Obviously it’s nice to be back opening and getting the runs. It is a very nice feeling. We fielded first and got a good idea of the wicket,” Kishan said after anchoring the MI to a much-needed victory.

Rohit Sharma was all praise for the youngster.

When asked about the maiden over that Chetan Sakariya bowled to Kishan, he said: “I didn’t say anything to him [after he played a maiden]. All we wanted for him was to play his shots, which is what he did… When you are under the radar, it is important to do your job.”

Mumbai Indians 94 for 2 (Kishan 50*, Rohit 22) beat Rajasthan Royals 90 for 9 (Coulter-Nile 4-14, Neesham 3-12, Bumrah 2-14) by eight wickets.

Match preview – RCB vs SRH

Bangalore firm favourite against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Royal Challengers Bangalore will have the opportunity to run riot against Sunrisers Hyderabad before completing their quota of the games in first stage.

The two sides will clash at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium at 7:30 pm (India Time).

Best probable performers

Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell has been the highest run-getter for Bangalore playing in his first season for Virat Kohli’s team.

He’s scored five fifties already, leading him to a whopping 407 runs in 12 games.

He won the last game single-handedly with another unbeaten fifty to bag the Man of the Match award.

Chahal

On two-paced wickets, like we have seen in the UAE so far, Yuzvendra Chahal’s addition to the team seems mandatory.

The leg spinner is likely to keep the economy tight and chip away vital wickets in the middle overs.

Chahal’s overs will be very crucial for Bangalore in terms of restricting Hyderabad to a low total.

Match prediction

Sunrisers Hyderabad are all over the place with team selection, batting through the overs, and strategic moves.

Be it David Warner or Kane Williamson, the team just doesn’t win games.

In 12 contests, SRH have won only two.

Whereas, RCB’s form speaks volumes of their star-studded line-up and form. Hence, Kohli’s men are most likely to win tomorrow.