IPL 2018, MI vs KXIP: 5 Reasons why Kings XI Punjab lost against Mumbai Indians

In a do-or-die encounter, Mumbai Indians were up against a side who were clobbered in their previous few outings as Kings XI Punjab were battling to stay alive in contention for a spot in the last four.

At the historic Wankhede Stadium, visitors won the toss and opted to field on a chase friendly ground.

Mumbai got off to a flier before Andrew Tye wreaked havoc in that batting order. His first spell of two overs brought a flurry of wickets as he managed to strike thrice to push the home team on the backfoot.

However, a Pollard special helped the home team pave their way back as they reached 186 runs in their 20 overs.

It was an interesting chase with KL Rahul being in the mix of things for major part of the game.

But he once again fell short to take his side through due to the lack of support to help home team snatch a narrow win by three runs to keep themselves alive in the tournament.

Let’s take a look at some of the reason that propelled a Punjab loss:

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#1 No support for Andrew Tye

Tye is not finding enough support from the other end

It was yet again one of those days at the office when KXIP’s hot buy of the season in Tye came to his side’s rescue.

The Australian T20 specialist has been in phenomenal form to justify his price tag acquired at the IPL auction.

In his first stint with Punjab, Tye has very easily adorned the role of their strike bowler.

The current Purple cap holder for most wickets, Tye had 20 wickets against his name before the game and went on to take four scalps to take his tally of wickets to 24.

However, his efforts one again went in vain as other bowlers were taken for plenty. The likes of Ankit Rajpoot and Mohit Sharma conceded runs in excess of 10 runs in an over.

This helped Mumbai post a mammoth total despite some superb bowling from Tye.

#2 Pollard plays a blinder of an innings

Pollard showed positive intent throughout his innings

It was a Pollard’s special in the comeback game for the big man. Pollard showed some positive intent after few quick wickets in the ultimate powerplay over that saw Mumbai reeling at one stage.

It was his blitz in the middle overs that allowed Mumbai to fight a comeback in the game.

He went about his business with ease and played his shots with utmost confidence. His quick fiery knock of 50 off just 22 deliveries proved to be the difference between the two sides.

His effort was crucial for his side as they could only muster 35 runs after his dismissal in the final five overs.

#3 KL Rahul fought a lone battle

Rahul looked decisive throughout his knock

KL Rahul was yet again banging on with his skills with the bat. The Karnataka-lad continued his rich vein of form as he once again took the onus upon himself to do the bulk of the scoring for his side.

Opening the innings for his team in an all-important clash, Rahul steadied the ship too but always felt short with no support from the other end.

He mustered runs at a brisk pace as in due course of time he even reached 600 runs in this season to even bag the Orange cap.

Being the mainstay of the Kings XI batting, Rahul looked decisive in his shot-making as he powered his way to a majestic 94.

This was disheartening for the youngster to see his side go down in an all-important clash.

#4 Middle order fails yet again for Kings XI

The middle-order woes continue for the Punjab outfit

The story for the Kings from Punjab has been led by their openers in this season. The middle order has been under the pump on quite a few occasions and has failed to deliver.

However, it was necessary for the likes of Aaron Finch, Yuvraj Singh and Marcus Stoinis to come good in one of the most important clashes for the side in the season.

The experienced campaigner in Finch did come to the party but couldn’t finish the game for his side after he was undone by a short-pitch ball from Bumrah.

Rahul and Finch even mustered 111 runs for the third wicket but thereafter the batters fell like nine pins to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

#5 Jasprit Bumrah does the trick for his side

Bumrah's spell turned the game on its head

One of the best-limited overs bowlers in the world cricket once again showed his class of why he’s regarded as the best.

The season hasn’t been on the best side for the Mumbai lad as he has seen himself on the receiving end on quite a few occasions in the year’s VIVO IPL.

But this time, he allowed his side to think of making a cut into the game. He was splendid with his spell of four overs to concede just 15 runs.

The death over specialist bagged three crucial wickets to ride his side back into the game. He turned the game over his head to deny Kings XI a deserving win, to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the playoffs.

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