MI go past Chargers in low-scoring game

Riding past a terrifying spell from Deccan Chargers’ South African import Dale Steyn, Mumbai Indians accomplished a five-wicket victory over their opponents in a low-scoring match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday evening.

It was a match that Mumbai Indians should’ve won easily, having restricted Deccan to a paltry total of 100 runs. However, Steyn’s early spell and his comeback in the middle overs made the contest one to reckon with, allowing the Chargers to prolong the inevitable.

Having won the toss, Mumbai Indians elected to field first, allowing Deccan Chargers – who had arrived refreshed into this match after an 18-run victory in their previous one – to take guard first. The visitors, however, dropped their skipper Kumar Sangakkara for the game and allowed Aussie Cameron White to take over the captaincy.

The batting line-up failed to click and Mumbai Indians rode on excellent spells despite the attack being handicapped in the absence of West Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard.

However, speedster Lasith Malinga's 4-16 and captain Harbhajan Singh's 2-13 helped the side foil any attempt by Chargers to post a respectable total, falling for just 100 runs in 18.4 overs.

Harbhajan led the bowling attack from the front, picking up his wickets for a thrifty 13 runs before Malinga (4-16) took over and forced Chargers into oblivion.

It was not a big target to defend and Deccan Chargers were saw themselves handicapped by the absence of effective bowlers to bowl alongside Steyn who looked unplayable on the bouncy track in his four-over stint, finishing with figures 2 for 10 in four overs.

Middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma top-scored for Mumbai Indians with a timely 42 as the hosts reached the target with eleven balls to spare. The Mumbai Indians victory helped the team leapfrog from seventh place in the points table to third with 10 points registered so far from nine games. Delhi Daredevils (14) and Kolkata Knight Riders (11) now top the table while Deccan Chargers remain at the bottom with three points from eight games.

Rohit struck a six and four fours in his 48-ball innings. It was the pair of Rayudu and South African Robin Peterson that ensured the victory in the end.

Mumbai Indians now play Sahara Warriors in their next match – an away game – in Pune the coming Thursday.