In what is a do-or-die match for Mumbai Indians, against Delhi Daredevils, the kind of start Jasprit Bumrah gives his team with the new ball, will be vital. His figures of three for 15 basically won the match against Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday and kept Mumbai in contention for the playoffs. After being slightly off-colour in the matches leading up to that match, Bumrah seems to have regained his rhythm.
Bumrah will be up against a talented opening batsman who has caught eyeballs this season with his explosive stroke-making and audacity at the top of the order. Prithvi Shaw has been reckless at times, for instance against Chennai Super Kings (he pretty much tried to hit a four or a six off every ball and holed out at long-on for a run-a-ball 17), but for a player playing his first major tournament alongside and against accomplished international cricketers, he has been nothing short of sensational.
On Sunday, Shaw's approach against Bumrah will make for interesting viewing. Bumrah's versatility makes him a difficult bowler to go after. But Shaw's form has been very good so far in his debut IPL season and his aggressive approach has, but for the odd occasion, paid rich dividends as well.
While Bumrah vs Shaw might not have a decisive effect on the outcome, it will probably set the tone for the rest of the match. From Mumbai's perspective, the kind of start Bumrah gives will hold the key. And for Delhi, if Shaw can get it off to a good start, it might have a platform to go on and knock out Mumbai.
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