Mumbai Indians’ decision to field first proved costly as Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel launched into a scintillating batting onslaught.
Fraser-McGurk, in particular, dazzled with his aggressive strokes, plundering 19 runs off the opening over bowled by Luke Wood, featuring three boundaries and a towering six, extending his stellar form for the season.
However, Mumbai’s fortunes took a sharp downturn with the entry of their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, in the following over. In a gripping moment, facing Bumrah’s initial delivery, Fraser-McGurk astutely read a slower, fuller ball aimed at the off stump, dispatching it over long-on for a resounding six.
Bumrah, visibly unsettled by the response, suffered further setback as his delivery was adjudged a no-ball, necessitating a retake. Striving for a yorker on the subsequent delivery, Bumrah narrowly missed his target, allowing Fraser-McGurk to elegantly drive the ball past mid-on for another boundary.
Mumbai’s frustration was palpable as their prized bowler grappled against Fraser-McGurk’s onslaught, who swiftly notched up a half-century in just 15 deliveries.
— Yashji (@Yashji554997) April 27, 2024
The Twitterverse erupted in awe of Fraser-McGurk’s fearless batting display, showering praise on his audacious stroke play, while Mumbai Indians found themselves grappling with a daunting challenge on the field.