The Mumbai Indians made light work of their target as they easily chased down the Royal Challengers target of 122 to finish the Indian Premier League on a high with a comfortable nine-wicket win, writes
Pierce Morley-Barnes.
After what looked to be an impressive start, the Bangalore Royal Challengers again struggled to post a tough total as they could only make 122-9 off their allotted 18 overs in a rain affected Indian Premier League match against the Mumbai Indians.
Wicket-keepers by trade Mark Boucher and Shreevats Goswami got the Royal Challengers off to a solid start with an opening stand of 35 within the first five overs before Dilhara Fernando struck for the first time.
Fernando went on to claim three wickets in the space of five balls as he removed Boucher, Goswami and Misbah ul-Haq.
26 was the top score from Cameron White who has been largely disappointing during this tournament and will look to improve for next year. Vinay Kumar hit a cameo 23 at the end of the innings but the Royal Challengers were outclassed throughout by the Mumbai Indians bowling.
With the ball, Fernando was the pick of the bowlers as he took 4-18 in a sensational spell. West Indian Dwayne Smith picked up 3-26 as the Royal Challengers capitulated in their final match.
Neither side can qualify for the Indian Premier League semi-finals after Chennai's victory in last night's game against the Deccan Chargers put paid to the Mumbai Indians' hopes while the Bangalore Royal Challengers, with just four wins in the tournament, have long been out of contention.
The Mumbai Indians made light work of their target as they easily chased down the Bangalore Royal Challengers 122 to finish the Indian Premier League on a high.
Not for the first time, Sanath Jayasuriya was in emphatic form and moved his tally along to 30 sixes in the tournament as he hit a majestic 54 off just 37 deliveries.
Jayasuriya fell trying to play a trademark pull, but was for once beaten for pace by the lively Dale Steyn who bowled well and gave a barrage of bouncers during his 1-14 off four overs.
With Jayasuriya’s early fireworks, it was up to Sachin Tendulkar to play a more subtle role as he moved his side along to the finish line.
It was fitting that Sachin Tendulkar (40 not out) finished the game with a delicate paddle sweep for four off Anil Kumble to secure the nine wicket win for his side.
Robin Uthappa came in and showed his class as he accumulated an unbeaten 19 in no time and played one of the shots of the match with a superb back foot drive off Vinay Kumar that oozed talent.
This game showed that the Mumbai Indians were a class above the Royal Challengers and were unlucky to miss out on a place in the semi-finals after defeat in the most important game in the last over thanks to some poor fielding.
© Cricket World 2008
