Defending champions Mumbai Indians’ (MI) middle-order batsmen continued their poor run, resulting in a 54-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Dubai on Sunday. Put in to bat, RCB skipper Virat Kohli (42-ball 51, 3x4, 3x6) and No. 4 batsman Glenn Maxwell (56 off 37 balls, 6x4, 3x6) outclassed the MI bowlers, posting 165-6 off their 20 overs.

In reply, MI’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma (28-ball 43) and Quinton de Kock (24 off 23 balls) started well, but the middle-order, comprising Ishan Kishan (9), Suryakumar Yadav (8), Krunal Pandya (5), Kieron Pollard (7) and Hardik Pandya (3) succumbed to the pressure and MI were bundled out for just 111 in 18.1 overs. Pacer Harshal Patel (4-17), who enjoyed his maiden hat-trick and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (3-11) were the wicket-takers for RCB.