Mumbai Indians sealed top spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings and a place in Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 match as they triumphed by nine runs against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
Kolkata needed 14 off the final over as they chased 174 to win, a result that would have put them top of the table, but Trent Boult and Umesh Yadav could only muster five runs off Hardik Pandya (2-23).
Mumbai had made 173-5 in their 20 overs, with Ambati Rayudu (63) and Saurabh Tiwary (52) both hitting half-centuries.
The result gives Mumbai two shots at reaching next Sunday’s final. If they lose in the first qualifier match they will have another chance in Friday’s Qualifier 2 game against the winner of Wednesday’s Eliminator match.
Mumbai will find out who they play on Tuesday. If Rising Pune Supergiant defeat Kings XI Punjab, then it will be them who take on Mumbai. If Punjab prevail then Sunrisers Hyderabad will be the opponents.
Hyderabad had earlier Saturday booked their spot in the play-offs with a dominant eight-wicket win over Gujarat Lions. An unbroken stand of 133 between captain David Warner (69 not out) and Vijay Shankar (63 not out) saw them home as they reached their target of 155 with ease, as they scored 158 for two with 11 balls to spare.
Gujarat had collapsed from 111 without loss to 154 all out in their innings, with Mohammed Siraj (4-32) the pick of the Hyderabad attack.
With Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad all through, the remaining place will be decided when fourth-placed Rising Pune take on fifth-placed Punjab, with whoever wins qualifying, while the loser is eliminated.
Sunday’s other clash sees already eliminated Delhi Daredevils up against bottom-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore.
* National staff
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