MI vs LSG, Eliminator at Chennai, IPL, May 24 2023 - Match Result

Mumbai perform only how they can when it matters most: first they post 182 on a decent batting pitch, and then fold LSG for 101. Thus, they are into Qualifier 2. Rohit Sharma vs Hardik Pandya. The MI captain who led the allrounder for years at MI. The GT captain who is seeking back-to-back trophies. Join us for that game in two days' time, even as Al Muthu's report takes you through today's play. See you, and take care!

Akash Madhwal is the Player of the Match for his 5 for 5: "I was just practising, and waiting for this opportunity. I did my engineering, and played tennis-ball cricket since it was my passion. Engineers have a tendency to learn early! I just practice, and that is what we execute. I'm proud of myself, but I'll try to be better. Bumrah bhai has his own place, and I'm just trying to play role. Nicholas Pooran was the best wicket. Everyone at home believes I'm working hard."

Rohit Sharma on making the Qualifier 2: "I had definitely thought of making it [to the Qualifier 2]... We managed our work, and scrambled through it. Akash Madhwal was part of the season last year. He didn't get to play. We knew what he had, and we needed somebody to bowl at the back end. Having seen him, I was confident he could get the job done for us. Talking about scouts, we have seen so many guys have gone on to play for India and done well. First and foremost, it's important to make them feel special and part of the team. They play lot of domestic cricket, but this is a different ball game... Our job is to make sure they are comfortable. As a team, we enjoyed the fielding. We want to keep getting better, and throw ourselves... We knew coming to Chennai, one man won't take us through."

Time for the presentations

Vishal Pawar : "You can credit SKY's emergence to MI as well. He was getting wasted in KKR"

Vysakh Vinayan: "Can we also appreciate Green for his wonderful 41 (23)?" --- Yep, the performance that might fly under the radar today

Cameron Green on the win: "It's nice that it's going well at the moment. Our batting's been really good. Madhwal has been the game changer for us; five today, and got four-for the other day. We had a pretty poor game last game [in terms of fielding]. When you bowl second, all the guys who have batted can bring the energy. Madhwal has been awesome: the moment he came, we realised he is special. Gujarat are the best team. It's going to be a tough challenge, especially on their home turf."

Krunal Pandya on LSG's loss: "We were in a really good position. Everything started when I played that shot... that was not on, and I completely take all the blame. The wicket was the same. We just had to bat better, just take that responsibility. But we didn't do after that break (the first time-out). It's always a tough decision; it's just Kyle had a better record here [than de Kock]. We just felt we could go with Kyle. I just thought we could do something different [starting the bowling with spinners]."

11.20pm Mumbai win by a massive 81 runs, and crush LSG. From 69 for 2, to 101 all out. Four of those eight wickets went to Madhwal - who finished with 5 for 5 - and three to comic run-outs. As if it was meant to be for Mumbai to go closer to a spot in the final. As if the forces agree that Mumbai are perhaps the best when it comes to unearthing talent. Madhwal joins a list which consists of Hardik Pandya, Kishan, Bumrah, Varma, Wadhera and others. LSG were well in the game eight overs into the chase, after which came the first time-out. That is when it all turned upside down.

Around the wicket to Mohsin

Madhwal to bowl, still in search of his fifth

Ramnath: "I want Madhwal to bowl next over and get 5! Highly deserved!"

Time-out, FWIW.

KS: "Got to love figures like 4 for 4. No confusion which one is wickets and which one is runs.." --- Unlike the confusion between the LSG batters?

Now from around

Last man Mohsin on strike. Jordan back.

Naveen at No. 10

RT: "@Abhishek, which side are you on? You have me confused" --- It's all about the cricket

Madhwal back. He has 3 for 3 so far. Maybe a five-for?

Vinay Mudunuru: "Come on, throw the ball to Madhwal! Let him get the 5 for!!"