If there was one thing Mumbai Indians were waiting for, it was for Cameron Green, their big-money signing, to come to the fore and deliver. He did so in style after hitting a match-winning century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Heading into the crunch fixture, it was Mumbai Indians who were favourites to come out on top according to Indian Premier League match betting odds, and it’s easy to see why this was the case. Not only did Mumbai have Green in their ranks, but they had the chance to keep their playoff dreams alive, and the former’s century certainly helped with the latter.
Green, now the most expensive Australian to play in the IPL with his price tag a reported $3.15m, has played well for the last couple of months and has duly impressed in the Indian Premier League. However, it’s fair to say that he’s also threatened to show what he’s really capable of and why he’s so revered, and it was Sunrisers Hyderabad who were on the receiving end in Mumbai.
It’s fair to say that many thought Green would feel like he was under significant pressure to deliver because of the huge price tag and the expectations that arrived when he joined Mumbai Indians. And, even though he’s put on some good performances, you could say the pressure was lifted following his display against Hyderabad. Green, however, suggested, “the pressure wasn’t from the team, but probably myself.”
The sole aim for Mumbai when taking on Hyderabad was to secure a playoff spot for themselves. But even after Green’s heroics, nothing was certain until the result of the match between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore was known. Mumbai winning and success for Gujarat would mean fourth place was in the bag. But a Bangalore victory would see them take the final playoff position.
Things didn’t look like they were going to go in Mumbai’s favour when Bangalore’s Virat Kohli managed to hit an unbeaten 101 off just 61 balls. From twenty overs, they managed to make 5-197, putting them in a strong position and in with a good chance of taking control in terms of the last playoff position. But The Titans had other ideas, much to the delight of Green and co., who were undoubtedly taking a keen interest in proceedings.
Shubman Gill came to the crease and hit eight big sixes and five fours as he went unbeaten for 104 off 52 balls to set the wheels in motion towards a Gujarat victory. And the tie ended with The Titans winning by six wickets, which ultimately meant playoffs were in the bag for Mumbai, proving just how crucial Green’s century had been. He came up big when it mattered, and he will have to do the same again if Mumbai are to be IPL 2023 champions, especially with Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings looking so strong.
