The third-wicket partnership of 104 runs between JP Duminy and Ajinkya Rahane helped Mumbai Indians to register a 16-run victory over Bangalore Royal Challengers at Port Elizabeth on Sunday (May 10). Put in to bat first, Mumbai Indians lost the early wicket of skipper Sachin Tendulkar (0). However, the team managed to reach the target of 157 for two in 20 overs because of some solid batting from Duminy and Rahane. Both the Duminy and Rahane remained not out on 59 and 62 respectively.

 

Apart from them, Sanath Jayasuriya (29) also played a good hand. Duminy smashed two fours and three sixes to score his fifth IPL half-century. Both Duminy and Rahane relied heavily on singles at the initial stage and then unleashed their big shots. In reply, Bangalore Royal Challengers could reach the score of 141 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Apart from Lasith Malinga, all the Mumbai Indians bowlers were economical. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh picked up three wickets by conceding just 15 runs.

 

Apart form South African wicket keeper batsman, Mark Boucher none of the Royal Challengers batsmen could score freely. Boucher remained not out on 48 from 33 balls. But that was not enough to stop Mumbai Indians from winning the match. This is the first win for Mumbai Indians after three consecutive losses. They have to win their remaining four matches to make into the semi-finals of the league. Mumbai will next take on Kings XI Punjab  on May 12.