Brilliant hostile bowling led by Kiwi Trent Boult took Mumbai Indians to an emphatic five-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals and a fifth Indian Premier League title on Tuesday.
The left arm paceman became the first bowler to take a wicket in the first ball of an IPL final since the tournament started in 2008.
Boult struck twice in his first two overs as Mumbai kept Delhi to 156-7 and the reigning champions raced to the target in 18.4 overs with skipper Rohit Sharma hitting 68. Sharma, 33, led the chase in his 200th IPL appearance to inspire the most successful team in the Twenty20 tournament to add to triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Boult took opener Marcus Stoinis with the first ball of the final in Dubai, giving the upstart Delhi side a grim warning of the tough night ahead in the empty stadium.
“It’s been a good few months, giving the franchise a good start,” Boult, who was traded to Mumbai from Delhi Capitals last November, said after being named man of the match.
“With everything going on, I’ve been welcomed in the side. To have made it across the line, it’s been worth it.”
Ajinkya Rahane was caught behind for two in Boult’s next over. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery pace also kept Delhi in check.
Mumbai brought in off-spinner Jayant Yadav to bowl the fourth over and he immediately bowled in-form opener Shikhar Dhawan for 15.