Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians stormed into the Qualifier 2 of TATA IPL 2023 by knocking Lucknow Super Giants in a largely one-sided encounter at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The five-time IPL champions ticked off all the boxes in a highly-anticipated contest to set up a clash with defending champions Gujarat Titans.
After their batters chipped in with valuable contributions to guide MI to an above-par 181-8 on spin-friendly Chepauk track, uncapped India pacer Akash Madhwal ran-riot through LSG batters and return with best figures of 5-5.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan lavished praise upon the Uttarakhand seamer for putting up such a show in a high-stakes encounter.
Speaking on Start Sports’ Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, “We have never seen an uncapped player dominate in a high-pressure game. Akash Madhwal has picked up 9 wickets in the last two games. He deserves all the credit for taking MI to the Qualifier.”
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif lauded the right-arn quick for his mastery over his craft and control over the cricket ball.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Md Kaif said, “Akash Madhwal bowls hard length. His bowling style resembles Mohd Shami and gets the zip off the surface. What a player he has been for Mumbai Indians lately. He’s looked like a mature bowler with every game he’s played.”
Akash Madhwal – who polished his bowling skills with tennis-ball cricket – garnered praise from former India cricketer Ravi Shastri for bowling hard length and being a street-smart cricketer in the big game.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Ravi Shastri said, “Madhwal applied himself in this game brilliantly. He bowled beautifully and bowled the hard length on a slow Chepauk track. He also has a good cutter. Tennis ball cricketers are very street smart, and Madhwal has shown that skill on the big stage. He’s a young bowler and a quick learner. It was another superb effort from this young talent.”