Despite a valiant effort in their response, Mumbai Indians fell short, posting 246-5, and Klaasen minced no words in his assessment of Mumbai’s strategy. “They didn’t play their best bowler in the powerplay…that was our “They missed a trick right from the start. We have some incredible strikers up front in our batting line-up. They just set the tempo, so our work was basically done,” he remarked to the official broadcaster, highlighting the missed opportunity by Mumbai.
Under the leadership of the new captain Hardik Pandyawho replaced Rohit Sharma This season, Mumbai Indians opted to save Indian pacer Bumrah for Wednesday’s death, much to the shock of fans and cricket pundits.
Bumrah’s absence during the crucial powerplay period proved to be a crucial factor as the Hyderabad batters capitalized on the opportunity, with Klaasen himself launching into a late attack to pile up 80 runs off only 34 balls. Aiden Markram contributed 42 off 28 balls, while earlier contributions from Travis Head (62) and Abhishek Sharma (63) propelled Hyderabad to a mammoth total of 277-3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Former Sunrisers coach Tom Moody echoed Klaasen’s sentiments, criticizing Mumbai’s decision to sideline Bumrah during the crucial powerplay overs. “Bumrah needs to bowl two overs in the powerplay because of what he brings to the table,” Moody said while analyzing for ESPNcricinfo. “One of the priorities in the powerplay is wickets, and he is your best wicket-taker.”
(Contributions from Reuters)