Hardik Pandya Hails Will Jacks as Mumbai Indians’ ‘Gun Fielder’ in Thrilling IPL Win Over SRH
In a pulsating encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched a gripping four-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their latest IPL 2023 clash on Thursday. MI skipper Hardik Pandya was effusive in his praise for his team, particularly highlighting the exceptional contributions of Will Jacks, whom he dubbed the team’s ‘gun fielder’.
Chasing a modest target of 163, Mumbai Indians showcased resilience and tactical acumen to reach 166 for six with 11 balls to spare. Pandya, in the post-match presentation, credited his bowlers for their smart execution on a sluggish wicket. ‘We stuck to simple, basic plans. The bowlers made it tough for the batsmen to hit freely, squeezing them at crucial moments. Full credit to them for forcing SRH to play some tough shots,’ he said.
The MI captain also noted the early assistance from the pitch, which had a deceptive green tinge. ‘The first couple of overs showed the ball sticking in the surface. We quickly adapted, using change of pace and executing yorkers brilliantly,’ Pandya explained. This tactical shift was evident as MI restricted SRH to 162 for five, a total that could have been far more imposing given SRH’s explosive batting lineup.
Stealing the spotlight was Will Jacks, whose all-round brilliance lit up the Wankhede. Returning figures of 2/14 with the ball, Jacks then smashed a quickfire 36 off 26 balls to steer MI through a tricky chase. Pandya couldn’t hold back his admiration, saying, ‘That’s the beauty of Jacks. He can be a gun fielder, bowl those decisive overs, and bat with intent. When we needed 42 off 42, it was tricky, but we paced it well, and Jacks made the difference.’
On the other side, SRH captain Pat Cummins rued missed opportunities, admitting his team was a ‘few runs short’ on a challenging surface. ‘It wasn’t the easiest wicket to bat on. We expected a fluent, fast track here, but it played slower. A score of 160 felt just below par,’ Cummins reflected. Despite a valiant effort with the ball, SRH couldn’t prevent their fifth loss in seven games this season, denting their playoff hopes.
Cummins acknowledged MI’s clinical bowling attack, which stifled SRH’s big hitters. ‘They shut down our key hitting areas. We tried to cover all bases, but MI bowled exceptionally well,’ he added. With a short break ahead, Cummins remains optimistic, eyeing a strong comeback at their home ground, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where familiarity could turn their fortunes around.
For Mumbai Indians, this victory marks their second consecutive win of the IPL 2023 season, boosting their confidence and standings. With standout performers like Will Jacks stepping up alongside Pandya’s astute leadership, MI looks poised to build on this momentum. As the IPL heats up, all eyes will be on whether this blue brigade can sustain their winning streak in the quests for the coveted title.