Mumbai climb to the top of the IPL table

Tendulkar hit an impressive half-century to set up Mumbai Indians’ 23-run win over Kings XI Punjab.

MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians were catapulted to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) table after a convincing 23-run victory against Kings XI Punjab.

Captain Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayadu struck impressive half-centuries and added 95 for the second wicket as Mumbai posted 159 for five before the bowlers restricted Punjab to 136. The win was Mumbai’s sixth in the tournament and put them ahead of Rajasthan Royals, who have five in nine matches, with a game in hand.

While Tendulkar and Rayadu were steady in their approach, Mumbai had to survive Shaun Marsh’s fierce attack. The Australian hit a 47-ball 61, adding 72 for the second wicket with Paul Valthaty.

But there was no support for the Australia as Harbhajan Singh and Munaf Patel claimed two wickets each to peg back the Punjab team. IPL’s leading wicket-taker Lasith Malinga got rid of Marsh and there was no looking back for Mumbai as they made sure the tail did not wag.

Kieron Pollard and Andrew Symonds chipped in with a wicket as well as Mumbai delighted the home crowd with the win.

Chennai survive scare

Chennai Super Kings survived a brutal onslaught by Sunny Sohal to register a 19-run win against Deccan Chargers after Suresh Raina helped the IPL champions post a competitive 165 for five.

Sohal hit a whirlwind 56 off just 30 deliveries including four maximums but after his dismissal in the seventh over, when the score was 71, Chennai took control of the game. Shadab Jakati claimed two for 23 and dismissed the other opener Shikhar Dewan as well as the match slipped away from Deccan.

Albie Morkel and Doug Bollinger, who were smashed all over the park earlier by Sohal, returned and ran through the middle-order as Chennai put the brakes on the scoring.

Morkel finished with three for 38 and the Australian claimed a brace as Chennai posted their fifth win in eight matches while Deccan lost their third match in eight games.

Earlier, Raina’s 35-ball 59 spearheaded Chennai and though Pragyan Ojha took three wickets, a late onslaught by Morkel took the team past 150.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2011.