Tim David smashed Jason Holder for three successive sixes to take MI over the line against RR.
Chasing 213 to win, the hosts needed 61 off 26 balls when David arrived in the middle and the all-rounder produced 45* off 14 balls to take MI over the finishing line with three deliveries to spare.
David’s match-winning knock was studded with 2 fours and 5 sixes. With 17 required off the last over, he smashed Jason Holder for three consecutive sixes to seal the deal for MI.
After the game, Tim David said he was glad to be able to give MI skipper Rohit Sharma a nice gift on his 36th birthday.
Referring to Mumbai Indians’ unimpressive run in the ongoing IPL, the Aussie cricketer mentioned that Rohit had been having sleepless nights over the last few days.
"A very happy birthday to our skipper, Rohit. We have been giving him sleepless nights by not playing very well. So finally tonight, we have given him something to celebrate," David told teammate Tilak Varma in a video uploaded by the Indian Premier League website.
Tim David further said it feels amazing to score some runs and take his team over the line against the Royals.
"I am feeling amazing. It is amazing to get over the line. Nothing better. This season I have been sitting you (Tilak Varma) and Suryakumar Yadav smacking it around, so I am sorry, I am so excited for having an impact and putting in a performance for the team. And it is of course about the confidence of having you at the other end," David said.
Tilak Varma, who returned with 29 not out off 21 balls in the chase, admitted that he was not being able to time the ball well and wanted David to take charge.
"Some days we have different rhythms. So maybe, today you were not at your best rhythm of how we have seen you play and you still played important shots and your ramp gave us so much momentum," David concluded.