AGENCY
CHENNAI: Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in a breathtaking finish to record their fifth successive win of the Indian Premier League here today.
Needing 30 runs off the last 12 balls, Hardik Pandya (21 not out of 8 balls) and Ambati Rayudu (34 off 19) smashed left-arm spinner Pawan Negi for 25 runs in the penultimate over to tilt the high-pressure game in Mumbai’s favour.
Mumbai took two balls to knock off the five runs needed in the final over, ending at 159/4. Super Kings had recovered to post 158 for five in 20 overs.
Pandya was the star of the night as he backed his effort on the field by hitting three sixes in the 19th over, proving to be the difference in the end.
Super Kings remained at top in the points table despite their first defeat at home this season while Mumbai added to their remarkable turnaround with a fifth win in as many games.
They are now fourth in the standings with six wins and five losses.
The away team made a flying start in the chase, racing to 61 for no loss in six overs.
Parthiv Patel (45) was aggressive from the outset, getting his first four with a exquisite punch on a length ball from medium pacer Mohit Sharma.
Simmons soon joined in punishing the bowlers, especially in-form speedster Ashish Nehra, smashing the experienced Indian for a six and couple of fours.
Having already off to their best start of the season, Mumbai were cruising at 84 for no loss in 10 overs. (PTI)
Chennai Super Kings Innings
Dwayne Smith c Hardik Pandya b Harbhajan 27
Brendon McCullum c Hardik Pandya b Vinay 23
Suresh Raina c Hardik Pandya b Suchith 10
Francois du Plessis c Simmons b McClenaghan 17
MS Dhoni not out 39
Pawan Negi run out (Parthiv Patel) 36
Extras 6
Total 158/5
Mumbai Indians Innings
Simmons c Dwayne Smith b Ashwin 38
Parthiv Patel c Francois du Plessis b Ashwin 45
Rohit Sharma c Suresh Raina b Dwayne Bravo 18
Kieron Pollard run out (Dwayne Bravo) 1
Ambati Rayudu not out 34
Hardik Pandya not out 21
Extras 2
Total 159/4
