Pollard powers Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals

An all round performance from Kieron Pollard saw Mumbai Indians pull off a comfortable win over the Rajasthan Royals in a match that saw the first run fest of this edition of the IPL. Chasing a massive 197/4, the Rajasthan Royals fell short by 27 runs.

After being put into bat on a docile pitch, Mumbai Indians piled up a huge 197/ 6, thanks to a bliztkreig from Kieron Pollard. Pollard massacared the Rajasthan bowling as he smashed a 33 ball 64. He took a special liking to Johan Botha and clobbered him for 22 runs in an over. His innings consisted of six boundaries and four DLF maximums!

Mumbai got off to a swift start but lost their way as Brad Hogg skittled out Rohit Sharma and Levi in back to back overs. That set up the stage for the big Trinidadian who bludgeoned the Royals attack. Ambati Rayudu (44) played an unbeaten hand and added 96 runs with Pollard. The finishing touch, however, was provided by the captain Harbhajan Singh who slammed 18 off six deliveries to pump the score up to 197. For Rajasthan, Hogg and Amit Singh picked up two a piece while the rest went for plenty.

The Royals’ innings got off to a disastrous start as they lost Rahul Dravid and Sreevats Goswami of consecutive deliveries. A stand of 82 runs between Ajinkya Rahane and Owais Shah, stabilised the chase but it was always a bridge too far for the Royals. While Rahane departed after a breezy 41, Shah kept his charge on as he put the Mumbai bowlers to the sword.

Shah’s 76 came of just 42 balls before Malinga disturbed his stumps. If Pollard was all power, Shah was phenomenal with his stroke play. He carted the Mumbai bowlers for five fours and five sixes and gave back Pollard some of his own medicine. For Mumbai, Munaf Patel and man of the match Pollard grabbed four scalps each.

The victory for Mumbai Indians gives them the required lift as they face the Delhi Daredevils next while Rajasthan Royals will be disappointed to lose their momentum before taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Match Summary

Mumbai Indians 197/6 (20/20 ov)

Kieron Pollard 64 ; Ambati Rayudu 44

Brad Hogg 2/31 ; Amit Sing 2/29

Rajasthan Royals 170 (19.4/20 ov)

Owaish Shah 76; Ajinkya Rahane 40

Kieron Pollard 4/44 ; Munaf Patel 4/28