Mumbai Indians thrash Rajasthan Royals by 7 wkts

The only way Rajasthan could win from that position when the asking rate was just over five was to trigger a dramatic collapse, which did not happen, and Mumbai Indians romped home by making 104 for three wickets in 15.1 overs to keep themselves firmly in the hunt for a semifinal berth.

Yogesh Takawale, the young Maharashtra Ranji wicketkeeper-batsman, came up with a fine all-round effort by snaring four victims behind the stumps and then making 27 during the run chase.

He also put on 41 runs for the opening wicket with veteran Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya (18) in 7.3 overs to give a good start to the run chase.

Jayasuriya fell pulling Shane Watson’s long hop into deep square leg’s hands and Takawale was bemused and bowled by a Shane Warne special, a flipper, as he shaped to cut to leave Mumbai Indians at 64 for two after 10 overs.

However, a determined Robin Uthappa keen to make amends for some poor displays in earlier ties and Abhishek Nayar ensured that Mumbai Indians would not be denied a third successive win, their previous two coming against Kolkata Knight Riders away and Delhi Daredevils at home.

Uthappa struck four fours and a six to remain unconquered on 34 in 21 balls while Nayar (12 in 13 balls) gave him good support to see Mumbai Indians past the finish line.

Mumbai next take on Chennai Super Kings is on May 14 at the Wankhede Stadium while Rajasthan will play against Deccan Chargers at home on May 9.

Rajasthan Royals had a total off-day with the bat even as the home team excelled on the field and this was the reason for their rout.

Going into their seventh tie without Sachin Tendulkar’s services, the home team rocked the visitors with superb first spells by stand-in captain Shaun Pollock and Ashish Nehra, their most successful bowler.

A plucky and somewhat lucky 39 in 36 balls by opener Swapnil Asnodkar and an attacking knock of 32 by Australian all-rounder Watson were the only bright spots in the Rajasthan Royals’.

Put in to bat, the visitors made a poor start by losing two early wickets before being revived by the aggressive Watson, who struck four fours and a six in his 20-ball knock, and Asnodkar through a third wicket partnership worth 53 runs in 29 balls.

The visiting team, who came into the tie on the back of five straight wins after having lost their first tie in the tournament, were rocked by Pollock and Nehra and were 21 for two in the fourth over, a beginning from which they never recovered fully.

Nehra emerged with the most impressive figures of 3 for 13 while Kulkarni, Bravo and Raje picked up two wickets.

Another impressive performer on the field was young stumper Takawale. The 23-year-old Maharashtra stumper brought off some stunning catches and snared four victims, including a stumping to send back South African captain Graeme Smith while standing up to Pollock.