IPL 2018, DD vs MI: Hits and Misses

The Mumbai Indians crashed out of IPL 2018 after falling to an 11-run defeat against the Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Sunday (May 20).

After defending a total successfully against CSK earlier this week, the home side was infused with a newfound confidence in their bowling unit. Keeping that in mind, Shreyas Iyer, the DD skipper, decided to bat first after winning the toss.

Chasing a stiff target of 175, the Mumbai Indians kept losing wickets at frequent intervals, ultimately failing to get over the line on the day.

Here are the hits and misses from the game:

---

#5 Hit: Rishabh Pant

The left-handed batsman, who has been a stand-out performer for Delhi this season, stepped up for them once again in their last game of the tournament.

Coming into the middle of the crease in the fifth over of the game, Pant took the attack to the opposition and did not wilt against the star-studded bowling line-up of the Mumbai Indians.

He ended up scoring 64 runs in just 44 deliveries, batting at a strike rate over 140. He also smashed four boundaries and four sixes on the day, ensuring that his team reached a strong total on the day.

#4 Miss: Rohit Sharma

It was a disappointing effort from the captain

This has been a torrid season with the bat for the MI skipper, and his horrific form followed Rohit Sharma into what turned out to be Mumbai's last game of the tournament.

Coming in to bat at three-down, it was very important for him to steady the ship, anchor the innings and if possible, bat through the chase.

However, the right-handed batsman could do neither of the three, as he was dismissed by Harshal Patel in the 14th over of the game, for a meager score of 13.

It was a disappointing effort from the captain, and it was his wicket that swung the momentum swiftly in Delhi's favour on the day.

#3 Hit: Sandeep Lamichhane

He picked up 3 wickets for 36 runs in his quota of four overs

The 17-year-old leg-spinner from Nepal has had a wonderful start to IPL career, in terms of his individual performances. His bowling has impressed many in the tournament, and it definitely seems like he will go a long way, in his still-budding cricketing career.

He picked up 3 wickets for 36 runs in his quota of four overs against the Mumbai Indians. He dismissed big names like Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, and Krunal Pandya on the day.

With his performance in this game and throughout the tournament, he showed that he belongs on the big stage.

#2 Miss: Kieron Pollard

Pollard could barely create an impact with the willow through this edition of the IPL

Just like his skipper, the West Indian all-rounder has had a terrible time in the office throughout the length of the tournament this season.

He wasn't given the ball when Mumbai took the field, and could barely create an impact with the willow throughout this edition of the IPL.

He fell short yet again against DD, as he was sent back to the pavilion after making just 7 runs off 7 deliveries. He was promoted to No. 4 on the day, with MI wanting to accelerate their scoring after the dismissal of Ishan Kishan.

It was very important for the big man to step up for his side to have a substantial chance on the day, but he could barely make an impact on the proceedings throughout the game.

#1 Hit: Amit Mishra

Evin Lewis, Kishan, and Hardik Pandya were amongst his victims on the day

The leg-spinner showed why he has been one of the most revered names in IPL history to date, bringing his best to the table for the end games. He scalped three wickets against the defending champions, giving away just 19 runs in his quota of three overs.

Deservedly, he was adjudged the Man of the Match for his inspired performance. Evin Lewis, Kishan, and Hardik Pandya were amongst his victims on the day.

The Daredevils might not have been able to reach the playoffs this season, but they will be proud of the way they ended their IPL 2018 campaign. Iyer and Co. defeated two big teams, CSK and MI, in their last two games and showed some promising signs to their fans in terms of the next season.