Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has been fined INR 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate during the thrilling encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday, April 18 in Mullanpur.
This marked the first offence of the season for the former five-time champions under the IPL’s Code of Conduct about minimum over-rate violations. During the riveting clash, Mumbai were penalised for maintaining a slow over rate as they had to keep five fielders inside the circle for the last couple of overs.
However, Punjab couldn't make full use of Mumbai's disadvantage as the Sam Curran-led side were bowled out with five balls to spare during their chase of a 193-run target at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Earlier in the day, Curran won the toss and opted to field first. Kagiso Rabada gave Punjab the early breakthrough as the South African pacer dismissed Ishan Kishan in the third over. However, an 81-run partnership off 57 balls between Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma laid the platform for the visitors. After the Indian captain departed for a 25-ball 36, Suryakumar stitched a 49-run partnership with Tilak Varma off just 28 balls. The Mumbai batter was eventually dismissed for a 53-ball 78, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Tilak's unbeaten 18-ball 34 and some lusty blows from Hardik and Tim David took Mumbai to a formidable score of 192/7 in their 20 overs.
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In reply, Punjab got off to the worst possible start as they lost four wickets inside the third over. Wickets kept tumbling as Punjab lost six batters inside the first 10 overs. Shashank Singh played a good hand of 41 off 25 balls before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. The experienced pacer was absolutely brilliant with his lines and lengths and gave nothing away during his four-over spell, which yielded three wickets. With the Kings in dire straits, Ashutosh Sharma emerged as a saviour as he came to bat at No. 8 and smashed 61 off 28 balls, hitting two fours and seven sixes. The right-handed batter played some extraordinary shots to get his team within striking distance.
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However, he was dismissed with 25 runs still needed and the lower-order batters failed to get Punjab over the line. Mumbai climbed to No. 7 on the points table with a tight nine-run win and left Punjab reeling at No. 9.
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