Mumbai Indians break 13-year opening match jinx with a commanding six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders, powered by a blistering opening stand.
MUMBAI: Openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton powered the Mumbai Indians to a six-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. The five-time champions chased down a target of 221 with five balls to spare at the Wankhede Stadium.
The win marked Mumbai’s first victory in an IPL opening match since 2012. Skipper Hardik Pandya expressed his relief at breaking the long-standing jinx.
“It’s been a long wait — 13 years is a long time,” Pandya said. “Very glad, the whole team is very glad that we were finally able to do it.”
The foundation was laid by a commanding 148-run opening partnership. Rohit Sharma smashed 78 runs from just 38 deliveries, including six fours and six sixes.
The 38-year-old was eventually dismissed by a spectacular running catch from Anukul Roy. South African Ryan Rickelton then took charge, scoring 81 before being run out.
Mumbai’s chase stuttered slightly after the openers fell. Pandya, unbeaten on 18, and Tilak Varma, who made 20, guided the team to the winning total.
Kolkata captain Ajinkya Rahane blamed his team’s inexperience for the defeat. He had earlier won the toss and chosen to bat first.
“I thought 220-225 was a good total. We batted really well, but again, the inexperienced bowling attack,” Rahane said. “Playing against Mumbai Indians, strong batting line-up, it’s really a learning curve for us.”
Kolkata posted 220 for 4 from their 20 overs. Rahane top-scored with 67 off 40 balls after an explosive start from Finn Allen, who made 37.
Rinku Singh provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 33. Mumbai’s Shardul Thakur was named player of the match for his figures of 3 for 39.
