Pune Warriors failed to chase a meek total of 120 posted by Mumbai Indians, in a nail biting match. Pune felt short of 2 runs from victory, in which their bowlers and fielders worked hard to restrict Mumbai Indians to 120. Chasing 121-run target, Pune Warriors India lost four top-order batsmen in quick succession and they were reduced to 47/4 in 9 overs.
Mumbai Indians avenge for their loss at home
Pune Warriors produced a clinical bowling and fielding display to restrict Mumbai Indians to a modest 120 for nine. Electing to bat, Mumbai witnessed a sedate start as the first three overs yielded just six runs, which included a maiden second over from Ashok Dinda (1/34) to Tendulkar. Mumbai recovered from a slow start of just 6 runs in first 3 overs. Sachin Tendulkar top-scored for Mumbai with a 35-ball 34 and together with James Franklin (25) added 50 runs for the opening stand, which was the only highlight of the Mumbai innings.
But after a dismal opening over, Nehra made a strong comeback in his second spell and scalped two wickets, including that of danger man Tendulkar. The left-arm pacer tasted a big success in the 12th over when he accounted for a set Tendulkar, who edged one to Robin Uthappa behind the stumps. Nehra then induced a top-edge from Robin Peterson (13) in his next over which Pune skipper Sourav Ganguly gladly accepted at long-off. Pune Warriors, desperate for a win after five losses in six games, were accurate with their fast bowlers and sharp in the field. Asked to bowl, young Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ashish Nehra shared four wickets between them as Pune bowlers stuck to their task from the onset, barring a few overs in the middle, to stop Mumbai from posting a challenging total. The bowlers were complemented well by the Pune fielders as they inflicted as many as four run outs.
Mithun Manhas’s unbeaten 42 off 34 failed to save game for the Pune side as the hosts fell short of one run against the visitors. Harbhajan Singh and Malinga scalped two wickets each. Needing 12 runs off the last over, Manhas and Kumar could only manage 10 as Pune continued its slide down the points table. Munaf Patel defended 12 in the final over to earn a one-run win for Mumbai Indians against Pune Warriors. Pune recorded its fourth successive defeat this season. Mumbai registered their second win in a row to consolidate their third spot on the IPL Points Table.
Tags: Cricket, IPL 2012, IPL 5, MI, Mumbai Indians, Pune Warriors, PWI
