In a dazzling display of fast bowling, Jasprit Bumrah etched his name into Mumbai Indians’ history books by delivering a match-winning performance, claiming 4 wickets for just 22 runs. His fiery spell not only secured a vital victory for Mumbai but also helped him surpass Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga to become the franchise’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
The high-stakes match witnessed Bumrah at his absolute best, mixing deadly yorkers with sharp bouncers, leaving the opposition batters scrambling. With his 4-wicket haul, Bumrah’s tally for Mumbai Indians climbed to an astonishing 174 wickets in 139 matches. This achievement saw him overtake Malinga’s long-standing record of 170 wickets, a benchmark that had remained untouched for several seasons.
Known for his calm demeanor and precision under pressure, Bumrah rose to the occasion just when Mumbai needed him the most. With the playoff race intensifying, his breakthroughs at critical junctures shifted the momentum firmly in Mumbai’s favor. He dismissed key players early, dismantling the opposition’s top order and ensuring Mumbai maintained a tight grip on the contest.
Speaking after the match, Bumrah expressed his joy at achieving the milestone but remained humble.
“Records are special, but for me, contributing to the team’s success is the most important thing. Malinga has been a mentor to me, and surpassing his record is an honor,” Bumrah said at the post-match presentation.
Lasith Malinga, widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers, had set a towering standard during his years with Mumbai Indians. His lethal yorkers and exceptional death bowling were instrumental in Mumbai clinching multiple titles. Malinga took 170 wickets for the franchise across 122 matches, a record many believed would stand the test of time. However, Bumrah’s consistency and evolution as a world-class bowler have now seen him eclipse that iconic figure.
Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mark Boucher lauded Bumrah’s achievement, saying, “Jasprit is a once-in-a-generation bowler. To have someone of his caliber leading our attack is a blessing. Surpassing a legend like Malinga speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic.”
This record-breaking feat is another chapter in Bumrah’s illustrious career. Since making his debut for Mumbai in 2013, he has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s bowling unit. His unique action, ability to deliver in crunch situations, and knack for outsmarting batters have made him one of the most feared bowlers in the league.
With the IPL season reaching its business end, Bumrah’s form is a huge boost for Mumbai Indians as they aim for another title. His ability to pick up early wickets and bowl economically at the death will be critical in the upcoming matches.
Fans and former cricketers took to social media to celebrate Bumrah’s milestone. Mumbai Indians’ official account posted,
“174 wickets and counting! Jasprit Bumrah – our record-breaker, our champion! 💙 #MIBlueForever”
Veteran cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle also tweeted, “Bumrah’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. To surpass Malinga in Mumbai colors is a testament to his enduring brilliance.”
As Bumrah continues to script new records, his legacy at Mumbai Indians only grows stronger. His latest achievement stands as a testament not only to his skill but also to his incredible commitment to the franchise that gave him his big break over a decade ago.
With a few matches still left in the season, fans will be eagerly watching to see how much further Bumrah can extend his lead at the top, and whether his heroics can once again lead Mumbai to IPL glory.
Source:
- IPL Official Website (iplt20.com)
- ESPNcricinfo match reports
- Post-match presentation quotes
