In the ongoing IPL 2023, Mumbai Indians scripted history when they chased down a total of 200-plus runs. MI did this magic on Wednesday for the second straight game and they defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets. It was Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav who were the stars with the bat and helped the five-time champions beat Punjab Kings. Kishan made 75 off 41 balls while Surya scored 66 off 31 balls helping MI score 216-4 (18.5 overs). Former India cricketer Suresh Raina lauded Suryakumar for his outstanding batting.
“He knows where the bowler is going to bowl. The way he stole the game, we can see that Suryakumar Yadav is full of self-confidence. He plays with intent and for 200 runs, your brain should focus on game awareness more than intent. He reads the dimensions the best. I think the best players in the world play in the middle order, the way they chase. There was a tough phase in the middle for him. But there was never a frown on his face because he was working hard. When the dressing room sees such performances, they automatically motivate others, ” said Raina.
“Every youngster should learn how to chase 200 runs from Suryakumar Yadav, the way he backs his cricket shots and plays in his range. Sensational batting,” he added.
“The way Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan were using dimensions when they came to bat was admirable. They were playing with a straight bat, playing through the covers, even a short ball was played straight. The way Ishan Kishan hit power shots and the way Suryakumar Yadav is known to chase a big total down easily, but they pulled off a fantastic partnership. The most important key there was self-belief. The intent they showed and the way they took the game from their opponent’s hands to themselves is the reason why Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav’s partnership was magical.”
Fans witnessed some terrific 360-degree assault from Suryakumar Yadav as he punished Punjab bowlers ever since he came to bat.