Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians' (MI) disastrous IPL 2024 campaign concluded with another loss, falling short by 18 runs against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 17, Friday at the Wankhede stadium. MI captain Hardik Pandya too didn't shy away from admitting MI's woeful show in the IPL 2024. This defeat cemented their position at the bottom of the IPL points table, managing only 8 points throughout the season.
LSG batted first and set a formidable target of 215 runs, thanks to Nicholas Pooran's explosive 75 runs off just 29 balls and a steady 55 from KL Rahul off 41 deliveries. In reply, MI fell short despite a strong showing from Rohit Sharma (68 runs off 38 balls) and a late blitz by Naman Dhir (50 off 28 balls). However, their efforts weren't enough to get their team past the victory line.
This loss marks the end of a forgettable season for MI, finishing last with only 4 wins in 14 matches. While LSG secured a consolation victory, it wasn't enough to secure a playoff berth, leaving them officially eliminated from the race.
Hardik Pandya rues MI's woeful IPL 2024 campaign
In the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya said that MI didn't play good quality cricket which cost them the whole season.
“Quite difficult, this season we didn't play good quality cricket and it cost us the whole season. It's a professional world, sometimes there'll be good and sometimes bad days. As a group we didn't play quality and smart cricket and it showed in the results. Too early to exactly point out what went wrong tonight. We can pass on this game and look forward to the next season,” Hardik said after MI's defeat against LSG.
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MI got off to a solid start as Rohit Sharma hammered consecutive sixes in the second over, putting LSG on the back foot. Rain halted the initial momentum, but Sharma picked up right where he left off, reaching a scorching fifty in just 28 balls. However, the joy was short-lived.
Brevis' dismissal triggered a collapse. A shocking duck from Suryakumar Yadav followed, leaving MI at a precarious 92/2 after 10 overs. The loss of Sharma for 68 was a hammer blow. Though Hardik Pandya showed promise, he misjudged a bouncer and fell for 16. LSG's Bishnoi continued his dominance, taking another wicket to further cripple MI's chase. A late fightback by Naman Dhir wasn't enough, and MI fell short by 18 runs, handing a thrilling victory to the Lucknow Super Giants.
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