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Mumbai Indians (MI)<\/strong> slumped to their seventh defeat of IPL 2024<\/strong> after falling short by 24 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)<\/strong> at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday. Despite bowling out KKR for a modest 169, MI\u2019s batting woes continued, resulting in their capitulation for just 145 runs.<\/p>\n KKR batsmen, with the exception of Venkatesh Iyer<\/strong>\u2018s 70 and Manish Pandey<\/strong>\u2018s 42, failed to capitalize against a disciplined MI bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah <\/strong>(3\/18) and Nuwan Thushara <\/strong>(3\/42) emerged as the top wicket-takers for the home team.<\/p>\n However, MI\u2019s batting woes continued to haunt them. Openers Rohit Sharma<\/strong> and Ishan Kishan<\/strong> departed for cheap scores of 11 and 13, respectively. While Surya Kumar Yadav<\/strong>\u2018s knock of 56 runs offered a glimmer of hope, the lack of partnerships proved costly once in the end.<\/p>\n For KKR, Mitchell Starc (4\/33) picked up a four-wicket haul, while Sunil Narine<\/strong> (2\/22), Varun Chakaravarthy<\/strong> (2\/22) and Andre Russell<\/strong><\/a> (2\/30) shared six scalps among them.<\/p>\n Speaking after the defeat, MI skipper Hardik Pandya<\/strong> acknowledged the challenges but vowed to keep fighting. \u201cYou keep fighting, that\u2019s what I tell myself,\u201d<\/em> he said in the post-match presentation. \u201cNever leave the battlefield. Tough days come, but good days come here too. It\u2019s challenging, but challenges make you better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n While acknowledging the bowlers\u2019 efforts on a difficult pitch, Pandya pinpointed the lack of partnerships as a major reason for the loss. \u201cObviously, we couldn\u2019t form partnerships and kept losing wickets,\u201d<\/em> he admitted. \u201cThere are a lot of questions that will take time to answer. But for now, not much to say. Bowlers did a fantastic job on this track.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n With this loss, MI\u2019s chances of qualifying for the playoffs look increasingly slim. They currently sit at a disappointing ninth position on the IPL 2024 points table<\/strong><\/a>. However, Pandya\u2019s fighting spirit suggests that the team might not throw in the towel just yet. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether MI can salvage some pride and end the season on a high note.<\/p>\nKKR Set Below-Par Total<\/h2>\n
MI Batting Crumbles Again<\/h2>\n
Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc bowls an absolute ripper to send Ishan Kishan\u2019s leg stump for a walk | IPL 2024<\/a><\/h3>\n
Hardik Pandya Seeks Improvement Despite Narrow Window<\/h2>\n
MI\u2019s Playoff Hopes Fade<\/h2>\n
Also READ: Twitter reactions \u2013 Venkatesh Iyer, Mitchell Starc lead KKR to a dazzling win over MI in Wankhede | IPL 2024<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n