The third match of the IPL 2019 saw Mumbai Indians host Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The three-time IPL winning MI team was looking to begin on a new front after failing to qualify for the final four in IPL 2018.

The Delhi Capitals team was asked to bat first by Rohit Sharma, who won the toss and immediately his decision was proven right when Kieron Pollard took an amazing catch to remove Prithvi Shaw for 7. Captain Shreyas Iyer made 16 quick runs, but it was the 83-run partnership between Shikhar Dhawan (43) and Colin Ingram (47) that built a platform for hitters to go berserk.

And Rishabh Pant did just that. He smacked an 18-ball fifty and ended up with 78* in 27 balls, hitting 7 fours and 7 sixes and helped Delhi Capitals put on 213/6 in 20 overs. Mitchell McClenaghan of MI was the most profitable bowler with figures of 3/40.

In reply, Rohit Sharma (14), Quinton de Kock (24), Suryakumar (2) and Kieron Pollard (21) all tried to get going and even hit some lusty blows. But the Delhi Capitals bowlers, especially Ishant Sharma, who removed the openers, proved to be successful on his IPL return. Rahul Tewatia took four catches in the match, all of them important ones including a skier from Captain Rohit Sharma.

Yuvraj Singh (53 in 35 balls; 5 fours and 3 sixes) tried his best to gain some momentum, but with wickets falling at the other end, it was a lone hand he played. Mumbai Indians ended their 20 overs on 176 and lost the match by 37 runs as Jasprit Bumrah didn’t come out to bat owing to a shoulder injury he suffered during the last over of DC innings.

Kagiso Rabada (2/23) and Ishant Sharma (2/34) were the best bowlers for DC in their first win in IPL 2019.

BRIEF SCORES:
DC 213/6 (R PANT 78*; M McCLENAGHAN 3/40) defeated MI 176 (Y SINGH 53; K RABADA 2/23) by 37 runs