Mumbai Indians (MI) faced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. MI emerged victorious in the contest by huge 81 runs and booked their spot into the Qualifier 2 of the ongoing tournament. Akash Madhwal was the standout performer for the Mumbai-based team in the contest as he picked a five-wicket haul and conceded just five runs in 3.3 overs. The young pacer’s performance was lauded by the legendary India spinner and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Anil Kumble.
It is noteworthy that Madhwal equalled the record of Kumble with his fifer against LSG as Kumble also claimed 5/5 in 3.1 overs in a match between RCB and Rajasthan Royals (RR) back in the 2009 edition of the IPL. The fifer by Madhwal is now the joint most economical five-wicket haul in the league’s history.
Kumble took to Twitter to congratulate Madhwal for his astonishing feat and even welcomed the latter to a special club of 5/5.
“Great bowling in a high pressure game, Akash Madhwal. Welcome to the 5/5 club,” wrote Kumble.
Great bowling in a high pressure game, Akash Madhwal. Welcome to the 5/5 club 👏🏾 @mipaltan @JioCinema
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) May 24, 2023
Apart from Kumble, former India opener Virender Sehwag also heaped praises on Madhwal for his exceptional performance.
“Akash Madhwal 5 wickets in the eliminator after the 4 he took in the last league game which was a do or die game. Such a delight to see newcomers doing well. This is the season where many of the experience guys have had a great season and many newcomers have made a big mark. Congratulations Mumbai on an empathic win. Will they be the first team to win the IPL after finishing 4th in the league stage?” tweeted Sehwag.
Akash Madhwal 5 wickets in the eliminator after the 4 he took in the last league game which was a do or die game . Such a delight to see newcomers doing well. This is the season where many of the experience guys have had a great season and many newcomers have made a big mark.… pic.twitter.com/ofZI0yk8af
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 24, 2023
Speaking of the match between MI and LSG, Mumbai posted a competitive total of 182/8 in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Cameron Green top-scored for his team with quickfire 41 runs off 23 deliveries. Meanwhile, Naveen ul Haq scalped four wickets for the Lucknow-based side,
In reply, LSG failed to survive the lethal bowling of MI led by Madhwal and were bundled out for 101 in 16.3 overs. Although Marcus Stoinis scored a fiery 40 off 27 deliveries, he couldn’t get his team across the line, and LSG eventually lost the contest.
With the win MI have now sailed into the Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2023, where they will lock horns with defending Champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (May 26).
