Mumbai Indians knocked Kolkata Knight Riders out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after registering a four-wicket win in the final over of their Elimination match while also qualifying for the Champions League.
The 2010 IPL runners-up were led by fast-bowler Munaf Patel, who claimed three for 27, to restrict Kolkata 147 for seven before Mumbai openers Aiden Blizzard and Sachin Tendulkar erased any hopes of an upset win.
Patel, who grabbed the man-of-the-match award, was satisfied with his performance.
“Previously I used to put too much pressure on myself and had forgotten to smile,” said Patel. “These days I am enjoying my cricket. All the talks with the coaches have helped.”
And he did have reasons to smile after he dismissed Jacques Kallis in the second over before off-spinner Harbhajan Singh got rid of Kolkata captain Gautam Gambhir. Patel then sent Shreevats Goswami packing and then claimed the wicket of Manoj Tiwary to reduce Kolkata to 20 for four.
Ryan ten Doeschate, Netherlands’ World Cup hero, then added 60 with India’s Yusuf Pathan to put the game in balance. However, Patel returned to claim the wicket of Pathan before the Dutch batsman found another able partner in Shakibal Hasan. The pair added 41 in quick time with Doeschate completing his half-century. He remained unbeaten on 70, made off just 49 deliveries with the aid of three sixes, as Kolkata had to be content with a modest total.
Early wickets were needed in reply but India’s batting legend Tendulkar put on 81 for the opening wicket with Blizzard. Mumbai raced away before Brett Lee claimed Blizzard’s wicket in the eighth over. Gambhir then ran out Rohit Sharma and Tendulkar gave his wicket away to Kallis as Kolkata sensed an upset.
Ambati Rayadu became Kallis’ second wicket before James Franklin put on 20 valuable runs with West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard. Shakib pulled Kolkata back into contention with two quick wickets before Harbhajan hit the winning six, sparking wild celebrations in the Mumbai camp.
Gambhir, who also aggravated a shoulder injury sustained during the World Cup final, was a disappointed man but applauded the team’s fighting spirit.
“We played some good cricket. The boys were professional and showed what character they are made off.”
Mumbai play Bangalore in the second Qualifying final today, a match that will decide which team faces defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the final.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2011.
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