Mumbai keep title defence hopes alive
The Mumbai Indians' hopes of a successful title defence remained alive, albeit marginally, on the back of a clinical six-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Monday's important Indian Premier League fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
The Mumbai Indians' hopes of a successful title defence remained alive, albeit marginally, on the back of a clinical six-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Monday's important Indian Premier League fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
Outgunned, outfoxed, outdone and outlasted through the bulk of the competition, the defending champions orchestrated a rare victory, with West Indian Lendl Simmons and the homegrown Ambati Rayudu at the fore of the fight.
Sunrisers captain Shikhar Dhawan's choice to bat first brought a promising total of 157 for three, with Australians recruit David Warner and Aaron Finch securing half-centuries on either side of fast bowler Lasith Malinga's telling two-wicket haul.
Simmons and Rayudu, later, avoided alarm amid the early departure of opener Chidhambaram Gautam. The pair shared a key 130-run alliance inside 15 overs, largely thwarting an opposition attack led by South African pace ace Dale Steyn.
Both players scored 68, with the Indian's strike-rate slightly quicker than that of the West Indian. Rayudu, in due course, was named Man of the Match – after victory had arrived with eight deliveries to spare.
The result pushed the Mumbai franchise to sixth position in the eight-team standings, while the Sunrisers remained fifth. Tuesday's IPL fixtures will see the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals clash in Ranchi before the Bangalore Royal Challengers host the Delhi Daredevils.
Latest
-
NewsChris Woakes won’t let Ashes be a distraction during T20 World Cup
Woakes is one of five players named in England’s squads for both competitions.
-
The AshesBroad v Warner and Root v Lyon – the key Ashes clashes this winter
The match-up between the rival pace attacks also promises to shape the series.
-
EnglandBen Stokes shares positive injury update
The England all-rounder gripped a bat properly for the first time in six months.
-
NewsIreland’s Amy Hunter celebrates record-breaking century on 16th birthday
Hunter hit 121 not out against Zimbabwe.
-
NewsIreland’s Amy Hunter becomes youngest batter to hit international century
On her 16th birthday, Hunter struck an unbeaten 121.
-
The AshesJoe Root credited for getting England’s strongest squad together for Ashes tour
Concerns over Australia’s Covid travel restrictions and the prospect of multiple withdrawals were real enough last week.
-
NewsEngland’s squad for Ashes tour has a familiar look about it
Fears over players opting out due to concerns over Australia’s travel restrictions have not materialised.
-
NewsThe Ashes: Matthew Wade says there are ‘challenging parts’ to Covid requirements
An ECB board meeting on Friday approved the tour Down Under ‘subject to several critical conditions being met’.
-
NewsOn this day in 2013: Sachin Tendulkar calls time on cricket career
The India batter remains Test cricket’s highest run scorer with 15,921 runs.