 Mumbai Indians thrash Rajasthan Royals
8th May 2008 08:00 IST
Agencies
Resurgent Mumbai Indians excelled with a superb all-round display to stun table-toppers Rajasthan Royals in their track and recorded a comprehensive seven-wicket victory, their third successive after four straight losses, in the Indian Premier League at the D Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai Wednesday night.
Helped by some pathetic batting display by the visiting team, who went into their seventh tie with five successive wins behind them, the hosts bowled purposefully and fielded brilliantly to skittle out Rajasthan Royals for a meagre 103 in 16.2 overs.
The only way Rajasthan could win from that position when the asking rate was just over five was to trigger a dramatic collapse, which did not happen, and Mumbai Indians romped home by making 104/3 wickets in 15.1 overs to keep themselves firmly in the hunt for a semifinal berth.
Yogesh Vijay Takawale, the young Maharashtra Ranji wicketkeeper-batsman, came up with a fine all-round effort by snaring four victims behind the stumps and then making 27 during the run chase.
He also put on 41 runs for the opening wicket with veteran Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya (18) in 7.3 overs to give a good start to the run chase.
Jayasuriya fell pulling Shane Watson's long hop into deep square leg's hands and Takawale was bemused and bowled by a Shane Warne special, a flipper, as he shaped to cut to leave Mumbai Indians at 64/2 after 10 overs.
However, a determined Robin Uthappa keen to make amends for some poor displays in earlier ties and Abhishek Nayar ensured that Mumbai Indians would not be denied a third successive win, their previous two coming against Kolkata Knight Riders away and Delhi Daredevils at home.
Uthappa struck four fours and a six to remain unconquered on 34 in 21 balls while Nayar (12 in 13 balls) gave him good support to see Mumbai Indians past the finish line.
Mumbai next take on Chennai Super Kings on May 14 at the Wankhede Stadium while Rajasthan play against Deccan Chargers at home on May 9.
continued.. |
