NEW DELHI: On this day in 2020, Mumbai Indians reaffirmed their dominance as the most successful franchise in IPL history by clinching their fifth title with a five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the final at Dubai. Played behind closed doors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the match served as a fitting conclusion to a unique season contested entirely inside bio-secure bubbles in the UAE.Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Mumbai were the standout team of the tournament and once again demonstrated their all-round superiority in the summit clash, outclassing a determined Delhi Capitals outfit appearing in their maiden IPL final.Opting to bat first, Delhi’s innings got off to a disastrous start as Trent Boult struck with the very first ball, dismissing Marcus Stoinis for a golden duck. Boult’s fiery opening spell, aided by Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jayant Yadav, left Delhi reeling at 22 for 3 within the first four overs. Shikhar Dhawan (15) and Ajinkya Rahane (2) fell cheaply, forcing captain Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to steady the innings.
The duo staged a valuable recovery, with Iyer anchoring the innings for an unbeaten 65 off 50 balls, while Pant played freely for a quickfire 56 from 38 deliveries. Their partnership lifted Delhi to a fighting total of 156 for 7 from 20 overs — one that looked below par against Mumbai’s strong batting lineup.For Mumbai, Boult was the star with the ball, taking 3 for 30 in his four overs. Coulter-Nile provided excellent support with figures of 2 for 29, while Jasprit Bumrah, though wicketless, kept the pressure tight throughout.
Chasing 157, Mumbai began with intent and authority. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a captain’s knock of 68 off 51 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Quinton de Kock (20 off 12) in an aggressive 45-run opening stand that set the tone early.Suryakumar Yadav (19) and Ishan Kishan (33* off 19) maintained control of the chase, ensuring there were no late hiccups. Mumbai crossed the target with eight balls to spare, finishing on 157 for 5 and sealing their fifth IPL crown — all under Rohit’s captaincy following triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
