Mumbai Indians end winless run with victory over Rajasthan Royals

The much-maligned Tim David, returning to the side for the first time since April 2, scored 20 runs off nine balls to help see his side over the line while Suryakumar Yadav scored a crucial half-century

Navi Mumbai: Rajasthan Royals 158-6, Mumbai Indians 161-5 – Mumbai Indians won by five wickets

Scorecard

Mumbai Indians brought their eight-match losing streak to an end with a welcome five-wicket win over high-flying Rajasthan Royals.

And a starring role was played by none other than the much-maligned Tim David. The Singapore international was picked up at auction for 8.25 crore (approximately £875,000) – 20 times his base price – but hadn’t featured for Mumbai since April 2 after scoring just 13 runs in two appearances.

However, on his return to the XI, he finished 20 not out off nine balls to help his side complete their chase of 158.

Suryakumar Yadav led the way for the Indians with the bat, scoring 51 runs from 39 balls, while there were also contributions from Ishan Kishan (26) and Tilak Varma (35) before Australia international Daniel Sams hit a six to seal the win with four balls to spare.

Earlier, Rajasthan had once again found themselves reliant on England’s Jos Buttler, with the opener scoring 67 runs off 52 deliveries.

Ravichandran Ashwin, batting at No.7, was the only other Royal to score more than 20 runs – contributing 21 off 9 – as steady wickets and economical bowling stifled Sanju Samson’s side, who closed on a sub-par 158 for 6.

Debutant Kumar Kartikeya, a replacement signing for Arshad Khan, was the pick of the bowlers, dismissing Samson and finishing with figures of 1 for 19. Riley Meredith also impressed, taking 2 for 24, while Hrithik Shokeen was the only bowler to concede more than eight an over.

Mumbai Indians face table-topping Gujarat Titans in their next match while Rajasthan will hope to return to winning ways against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 2.