Mumbai Indians (MI) are back on the winning track with a seven-wicket win over dominant Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). But will that help the five-time champions make the playoffs? Well, it looks like their doors are almost closed, but they can spoil the party for other teams like they did against SRH at the Wankhede Stadium tonight (Monday, May 6).
MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to field first, a brave move considering SRH’s scintillating form when batting first. However, the MI bowlers did well to reduce the opposition to 125/7 at the end of the 16th over. Although Abhishek Sharma struggled to get going, his opening partner Travis Head managed to give a decent Powerplay score of 56.
The trouble started for the visitors after the first six overs as MI tightened the screws in the middle overs, taking wickets frequently. A brilliant cameo from SRH captain Pat Cummins, however, took the team to a respectable score of 173. In reply, although the hosts had the advantage of the dew factor, their openers failed to capitalize on it and again went cheaply inside the powerplay.
Naman Dhir’s promotion was unsuccessful as the youngster was dismissed for a nine-ball duck. However, MI’s most reliable batters, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, ensured that they did not lose more wickets in the chase. The two went on to a 140+ partnership for the fourth wicket and crossed the finish line in 17.2 overs. Surya, in the process, notched up his maiden century in this season.
Also Check: Sunrisers Hyderabad 1st innings highlights against MI in Match 55
Here are the 3 changes that SRH need to make before their next match against LSG:
3. Put aside the aggressiveness and play smart
All this while in the tournament, SRH were struggling with the bat when batting second. But today they were outclassed in Mumbai while batting first. It is true that batting first and an ultra-aggressive approach has been their strength so far, but that cannot be a winning formula every time.
Had Travis Head not had a bit of luck, he wouldn’t have been able to give SRH a good powerplay and their team total would have fallen below par. SRH batters always look for quick scoring. Instead of that approach they should understand the situation and play smart.
2. Replace Marco Jansen with Umran Malik
Marco Jansen featured in the SRH XI in a couple of matches. He performed well in the last season, but this time it looks like the team is not benefitting much from him. The Proteas pacer leaked 45 runs in his three overs against MI today and conceded an economy of 11 in the last match against RR.
SRH have good fast-bowling options on their bench and they can replace Jansen in the upcoming match. Express pacer Umran Malik hasn’t played any matches for SRH this season. He can trouble the opposition with his blistering pace as Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav did in the initial matches.
Also Check: Mumbai Indians 2nd innings highlights against SRH in Match 55
1. Bring Glenn Phillips in the middle order
Hyderabad’s batting mainly relies on three batters – Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. They replaced the struggling Aiden Markram at No.3 and brought back an out-of-touch Mayank Agarwal against MI. However, the Indian batter failed to find any resistance and was dismissed for cheap runs.
A power-hitter Glenn Phillips is warming the bench for SRH. He can bring more stability to the middle order and address a lot of concerns. If Umran Malik is brought in to replace Jansen, an overseas slot will be vacant and Phillips could easily make the cut.