Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians climbed to fourth spot on IPL table after clinching a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab at Centurion on Tuesday (May 12). Chasing a low total of 120 to win, the Mumbai team achieved the runs in 16.2 overs with the loss of two wickets. West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was the star for Mumbai Indians. Bravo smashed seven fours and three sixes in his unbeaten knock of 70 runs from 59 deliveries. He was equally supported by Tendulkar (41 not out).

 

Earlier electing to bat first, Kings XI could not get off to a good start as they lost two quick wickets at the top. Apart from opener Sunny Sohal, none of the Punjab batsmen could handle the bowlers of Mumbai. Sohal scored a brisk knock of 43 runs from 23 balls before being run out by Tendulkar. Harbhajan Singh (1-9) and JP Duminy (2-15) played a crucial role in restricting Kings XI to 119 for nine. Both the bowlers were exceptional with their line and length. Apart from them, Dhawal Kulkarni and Lasith Malinga claimed one wicket each.

 

Kings XI lost a large chunk of wickets simply because of the sloppy running between the wickets. As many as many three Punjab batsmen got run-out, including all-rounder Irfan Pathan. With this victory, Mumbai Indians managed to keep their semi-final dream alive. The team is placed at fourth spot with 11 points. The Mumbai team will now take on Rajasthan Royal at Durban on May 14 while Kings XI Punjab will play against Delhi Daredevils at Bloemfontein on May 15.