Mumbai Indians secured their sixth consecutive victory by defeating Rajasthan Royals by 100 runs in the Indian Premier League at Jaipur on Thursday. The comprehensive win, powered by half-centuries from openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton — followed by aggressive batting from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, has pushed Rajasthan Royals out of playoff contention while strengthening Mumbai’s position.
Mumbai Indians posted an imposing total of 217 for two, with Rohit Sharma scoring 53 off 36 balls and Rickelton contributing 61 off 38 deliveries. Suryakumar and Hardik remained unbeaten on 48 runs each, both facing just 23 balls.
Rajasthan Royals, who had successfully chased 210 against Gujarat Titans just three days ago, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 117 in 16.1 overs.
The result marked Royals’ eighth defeat in 11 games, while Mumbai Indians improved their record to seven wins from 11 matches. One more victory should secure Mumbai Indians a spot in the playoffs.
The match saw the quick dismissal of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had recently gained attention for his 35-ball hundred. He was caught at mid-on off Deepak Chahar’s bowling in the first over.
Yashasvi Jaiswal briefly showed promise with two sixes off Trent Boult before being bowled by the New Zealand pacer. The Royals’ innings continued to falter from there.
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Jasprit Bumrah’s introduction in the fifth over proved decisive as he dismissed both Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag with short deliveries, reducing Royals to 51 for five within the powerplay.
The Mumbai Indians’ innings was highlighted by a 116-run opening partnership between Rohit and Rickelton. Rickelton focused on attacking the fast bowlers, while Rohit targeted the spinners, particularly Maheesh Theekshana.
Jofra Archer’s tight first over was followed by an expensive second, conceding 18 runs. Rohit and Rickelton combined aggressive stroke play with excellent timing, including a notable nonchalant flick by Rickelton off Fazalhaq Farooqi that went for six.
Mumbai Indians reached 58 without loss in the powerplay, with Rohit displaying his class through consecutive boundaries off Theekshana and a elegant lofted drive over extra cover against Akash Madhwal.
Rickelton reached his fifty with a six off Kumar Kartikeya’s half tracker, while Rohit completed his milestone with a boundary over backward point off Theekshana.
Despite losing both openers in quick succession, Mumbai Indians maintained their momentum. Suryakumar Yadav’s innovative batting, including a remarkable scoop shot over fine leg off Archer, kept the runs flowing.
The final five overs yielded 71 runs for Mumbai Indians, with Suryakumar finishing the innings with a six off Madhwal, who otherwise impressed with his yorkers throughout the match.
