Table-toppers Gujarat Lions proved again that they are the ones to beat this Indian Premier League (IPL) when they beat Mumbai Indians narrowly by three wickets on Saturday night.
Mumbai’s batting nightmares resurfaced from their first game but Gujarat, who are on top with three wins, nearly blew it away. Mumbai were 99 for seven before some late hitting fetched 61 runs from their last five overs.
In reply, Aaron Finch (67 runs: 7x4, 1x6) nursed cramps in the end as well as Gujarat to a nail-biting win in the last over with 11 runs needed.
“Mumbai are tough to beat at Wankhede,” Gujarat captain Suresh Raina said in the post-match briefing. “When they score 140, I think low-scoring matches are difficult to chase.”
Finch was Man of the Match for a third straight time and his glory made it a night for the openers.
Preview to the Sunday games
Punjab v Pune, 2.30pm Kings XI Punjab are desperate to get their first points and are back in Mohali for some home comfort and advantage. The focus will be on the bowlers to redeem themselves after having forgettable outings for respective teams from their past game. Mitchell Johnson has yet to fire for Punjab while Ishant Sharma and Murugan Ashwin let the Rising Pune Supergiants down against Gujarat Lions. A batting surface is an added challenge. Pune captain MS Dhoni had indicated he was looking to rejig his team.
Bangalore v Delhi, 6.30pm The biggest two underachieving teams in the tournament are up against each other with Delhi Daredevils in a more desperate situation. They have played an extra game and had mixed results as they line up against the formidable top order of Bangalore as hosts. Delhi have Bangalore legend Rahul Dravid in their corner, though, as mentor.
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