Ruthless Mumbai Indians flex their all-round muscle

Faf du Plessis likened it to a David-versus-Goliath battle. And for once, Goliath prevailed.

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Mumbai Indians were simply too resourceful, too skillful, and too powerful for Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede on Wednesday (May 21) night.

The home team showcased their superiority in all departments - batting, bowling, and planning. They displayed an exceptional sense of game awareness, remarkable patience, and in-depth preparation. In short, they flexed their all-round muscle against a side that was found wanting in most aspects.

"If you looked at the two teams before today's fixture, it was a case of David and Goliath..." the Delhi Capitals skipper analysed the contest. He was spot on. Man to man, MI were the superior side, and on the night - in a high-stakes clash like this - they lived up to that billing. Delhi Capitals were also crippled by the absence of regular skipper Axar Patel who, stand-in skipper du Plessis said, is "two players - a fantastic spinner and a great batter."

On a difficult surface where the ball was stopping, bouncing, turning, and seaming, stroke play was not easy - a fact quickly realised by the MI batters. They resisted the temptation of going after the bowlers and instead adopted a measured, waiting approach. When it was time to throw the kitchen sink, they had a set batter at the crease and five wickets in hand. They pounded the Delhi bowlers for 48 runs in the last two overs.