Mumbai, March 29 – Mumbai Indians defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets, breaking their unbeaten streak in the opening matches of the IPL, thanks to half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (78) and Ryan Rickelton (81).
Mumbai had previously lost all their opening matches since their eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in 2012. However, they chased down 221 with 224/4 in 19.1 overs, giving Kolkata a tough fight.
Rohit, playing his first T20 game since the last IPL, displayed his skills with a 38-ball 78, including six sixes and fours.
Ryan Rickelton also played a crucial role, scoring 81 off 43 balls with eight sixes and four fours, helping Mumbai secure their first two points.
Rohit's ability to judge the length of the ball and execute shots perfectly was key to his success.
For example, he hit a six over extra cover in the fourth over against Blessing Muzarabani, and another six over cover against Varun Chakravarthy in the next over.
Rickelton also targeted the leg-side boundaries to clear the ropes, making it difficult for Kolkata to defend.
Rohit and Rickelton put on 148 runs in 72 balls, putting Mumbai in a strong position. However, Anukul Roy's fielding errors led to their dismissal.
Hardik Pandya (18 not out) and Naman Dhir (5 not out) then completed the chase, securing the victory for Mumbai.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders had posted 220/4. Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51) had scored half-centuries.
Shardul Thakur (3/39) was the star bowler for Mumbai, while Trent Boult (0/38) and Jasprit Bumrah (0/35) went wicketless.
Rahane started with a six off Boult, followed by Pandya (1/39) giving away 26 runs in the fourth over.
Finn Allen (37 off 17 balls) and Pandya then hit consecutive boundaries, and Rahane followed with sixes and fours.
Before this, Allen had hit two sixes and a four off Allah Ghazanfar (0/51) in the third over.
Despite Thakur getting Finn caught by Tilak Varma in the long-on area, Kolkata were still in a good position at 78/1 after the powerplay.
KKR then crossed the 100-run mark in the eighth over, and Rahane looked set for a big score.
However, Thakur's two key wickets in separate spells broke Kolkata's momentum.
Cameron Green was then forced to defend short balls, and he eventually got out to Sherfane Rutherford.
In his third and 14th over, Thakur deceived Rahane with a slower delivery, and he was caught by his counterpart at cover.
Rahane's 67 off 40 balls, with five sixes and three fours, showcased his skills in the format.
However, Rahane had to retire due to cramps in the fourth over of Mumbai's chase.