IPL 2023: Akash Madhwal steps up at the right occasion as MI see off LSG in Eliminator

Self-destruction. That would be one way to put Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) batting as they bowed out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following a humiliating 81-run defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator.

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Avoidable blunders, batters not turning up, Nicholas Pooran’s dismissal – there were several moments where LSG lost the plot.

Krunal Pandya and Co were set a target of 183 runs after Mumbai opted to bat, but it was not the chase pressure in a playoff match, but some spontaneous decisions on the field that turned out to be wrong. And of course, pacer Akash Madhwal (5/5), who was too good to disturb LSG batters and their momentum.

Akash Madhwal shines

Lucknow Super Giants probably did not see it coming. In fact, as far as Mumbai Indians are concerned, Akash Madhwal would have exceeded expectations with a fine spell with the ball. In a season where MI have struggled with their death bowling in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, in a crunch contest like the Eliminator, someone had to step up. And that someone turned out to be 29-year-old Akash Madhwal.

Madhwal is still a newbie to the IPL scene with just seven matches to his name, but he sure has exceeded expectations in not just the Eliminator, but throughout the tournament. Whenever given a chance, the cricketer from Roorkee has delivered, be it 3/31 against the Gujarat Titans or 4/37 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

How about that for an #Eliminator Performance!

The Mumbai Indians put on an incredible bowling display