KKR vs MI: Pat Cummins hits joint fastest IPL half -century, KKR storms to No.1 in points table

Mumbai Indians' horror run continued on Sunday as the 5-time champions slumped to their third successive defeat after Pat Cummins launched a late assault with the bat to help Kolkata seal a 4-wicket win in the 14th match of IPL 2022 in Mumbai. Cummins equalled the record for the fastest half-century in the Indian Premier League when he got to the milestone off only 14 balls. He now holds the record with KL Rahul.

Kolkata Knight Riders stormed to victory by 5 wickets vs Mumbai Indians at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. They have now replaced Rajasthan Royals as the No.1 in the IPL 2022 points table.

KKR 's victory was scripted by Pat Cummins, who smashed a stunning 56 not out off 15 balls, and Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a gutsy half-century. Chasing 162, KKR were in trouble after losing Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Sam Billings and Andre Russell with still some work to do.

However, Cummins, who was playing his first match of IPL 2022, paired up with Venkatesh to hand Mumbai Indians their third defeat in as many matches this season. Cummins equaled the record for the fastest half-century in the Indian Premier League when he got to the milestone off only 14 balls. He now holds the record with KL Rahul.

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and asked MI to bat first on a fresh pitch with bounce on offer at the MCA Stadium. Umesh Yadav, the Purple Cap holder, struck in his 2nd over to remove Rohit Sharma while Dewald Brevis, who impressed on his IPL debut with a 19-ball 29, was sent back by Varun Chakravarthy.

Ishan Kishan had a torrid time in the middle and was dismissed by Pat Cummins for a 21-ball 14, but the innings was anchored by Suryakumar Yadav (52) and his 83-run stand with Tikal Varma set the platform for Kieron Pollard who smashed 3 sixes off the final over of Pat Cummins to give MI a competitive 161 for 5 off their 20 overs.

RAHANE GOES EARLY

KKR have adopted an attack-at-all cost approach to their batting but on Wednesday, Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer were watchful against Basil Thampi and Daniel Sams in a chase of 162. While Thampi conceded just 8 runs in his first spell of 2 overs, Sams gave away 6 in one over. KKR's openers were also careful against Jasprit Bumrah, taking just 2 runs off his first over.