New Delhi, India

Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) got off the mark with their first win of IPL 2024, when they hosted Delhi Capitals (DC) in match 20 on Sunday (April 7). Opting to bowl first, Rishabh Pant-led Delhi were taken to the cleaners with a confident start from Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. While the Delhi bowlers managed to pull things back a bit, Anrich Nortje conceded a whopping 32 runs in the final over as Romario Shepherd smacked him for 4, 6, 6, 6, 4, 6 as Mumbai ended at 234-5. In reply, Delhi only managed 205 for 8 to lose by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 

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After the clash, Shepherd opened up on his record knock as he smashed the South African pacer Nortje for some big hits. In a video released by IPL on X, formerly Twitter, Shepherd spoke to teammate Tim David -- who also remained unbeaten on 45 off 21 balls -- and recalled his blistering knock. The West Indian revealed that he was trying to hit every ball and was pumped up with the crowd backing him. 

“When I went out there, you told me to keep my energy, keep my eyes on the ball and I did just that. Also, the crowd was amazing. It was fantastic. Actually, I was going for a wide ball but it came straight. So I saw it and I swung very hard. I went to the last over with a clear mindset of trying to hit every ball,” said Shepherd.

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Notably, Shepherd ended the highest-ever strike-rate in an IPL innings (minimum 10 balls) as he smacked three boundaries and four sixes during his 10-ball 39. Given DC were also in the run-chase, till opener Prithvi Shaw (71)'s stay, the West Indian power-hitter's end-over blitz proved to be the decisive point of the match. 

At the post-match presentation, Shepherd won the Player-of-the-Match award. He said, "My hard work has paid off. I have put in a lot of hard work in the nets. I think you just have to keep a clear mind (when batting at the end). He (Tim David) said no you stay there (strike) and you hit. I was in a good position to capitalise on that ball. I tried to keep it 50-50 because I don't want to lean on one side, so 50-50 on batting and bowling. (On where the power comes from) Eating a lot of food I guess, some of it Indian as well (smiles)."