Watch: Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal takes 5 wickets in Eliminator, Anil Kumble welcomes him to ‘special’ club

Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal has joined a rare club of fast bowlers to claim the most economical five-wicket haul in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and he managed to achieve the feat in a playoff match. Madhwal, in his debut season, took impressive figures of 5/5 in 3.5 overs to bundle out Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for just 101 and set up MI’s 81 in the IPL 2023 Eliminator in Chennai on Wednesday.

Madhwal equaled the record held by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who claimed 5/5 in 3.1 overs against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2009 at Newlands, Cape Town. He is the most economical fifer in IPL so far.

Ayush Badoni_
Nicholas Pooran _

Two excellent deliveries from Akash Madhwal to pick up two big wickets__#lsg 75/5 after 10 overs

follow the match __ https://t.co/CVo5K1wG31#TATAIPL , # Eliminator , #LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/smlXIuNSXc

– Indian Premier League (@IPL) May 24, 2023

Former India head coach Kumble welcomed Madhwal to the exclusive club. “Fantastic bowling in a high-pressure game, Akash Madhwal. Welcome to the 5/5 club,” tweeted Kumble.

Brilliant bowling in a high pressure game, Akash Madhwal. Welcome to the 5/5 club__ @mipleton @geocinema— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) May 24, 2023

Kumble’s former teammate Virender Sehwag also praised the youngster for his five-wicket haul in the Eliminator after taking four wickets in the ‘do or die’ match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Akash Madhwal took 5 wickets in the Eliminator, followed by 4 in the last league game which was a do or die game. It is great to see newcomers doing well. This is a season where many experienced guys have had stellar seasons and many newcomers have made a big mark. Congratulations Mumbai on a great win. Will they become the first team to win the IPL after finishing fourth in the league stage?” Sehwag tweeted.

Akash Madhwal took 5 wickets in the Eliminator, followed by 4 in the last league game which was a do or die game. It is great to see newcomers doing well. This is a season where many experienced guys have had great seasons and many newcomers have made a big mark._ pic.twitter.com/ofZI0yk8af

– Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 24, 2023

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand pacer Madhwal said that he was just biding his time to perform for Mumbai Indians. “I was just practicing and waiting for this opportunity. I did my engineering, and played tennis-ball cricket as it was my passion. Engineers have a tendency to learn quickly! I just practice and we execute on that. I am proud of myself, but I will try to be better. Bumrah bhai has his place and I am just trying to play my role. Nicholas Pooran’s wicket was the best. Everyone at home believes that I am working hard,” Madhwal said at the post-match presentation.

Mumbai Indians will now take on defending champions Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 2 match on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to earn the right to play Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 final on Sunday.