Crucial win for Mumbai Indians

posted under by NSmurthy
Port Elizabeth: Unbeaten half-centuries from Jean Paul Duminy and Ajinkya Rahane got Mumbai Indians back to winning ways, as they beat Bangalore Royal Challengers by 16 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the St. George's Park here today.

The win was Mumbai Indians' first after three consecutive losses and it moved them to the sixth place. They have to win their remaining four matches if they want to make the semi-finals. Royal Challengers slipped to the seventh spot in the eight-team league and they have slim chances of making the last four.
Rahane (62 not out) and Man of the Match Duminy (59 not out) stitched a record 104-run stand for the third wicket as Mumbai Indians made 157 for two in 20 overs. Disciplined bowling by Mumbai Indians restricted Royal Challengers to 141 for seven in 20 overs.
Mumbai Indians also took sweet revenge of their humiliating loss to Royal Challengers in their previous meeting.
After deciding to bat, Mumbai Indians reverted back to their reliable opening combination of Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya. Skipper Tendulkar, however, failed to open his account after he edged Vinay Kumar's away going delivery to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher in the second over.
Jayasuriya (29) then played some crisp shots to ensure that Mumbai Indians get advantage of the first Power-Play with 46 runs.

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