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PHOTOS: Mumbai Indians post 178 for three against Rajasthan
Mumbai Indians defeated Rajasthan Royals by 25 runs in an IPL match in Motera on Monday.
Mumbai Indians top-order fired in one of the rare occasions as they put up a competitive 178 for three, Lendl Simons top scoring with 62. In reply, Royals were never in the chase as they were restricted for 153 for eight.
Earlier, Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat. Rajasthan rested three of their key players Ajinkya Rahane, Pravin Tambe and Steven Smith.
Former India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand finally got a game in place of seasoned Rahane, while left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma replaced Tambe. Smith's place was taken by veteran Brad Hodge.
For Mumbai Indians, Krishmar Santokie comes in place of Lasith Malinga while leggie Shreyash Gopal will be playing in CM Gautham's place. Mike Hussey also comes in place of Corey Anderson.
Teams:
Rajasthan Royals: Shane Watson (captain), Unmukt Chand, Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny, Kevon Cooper, Brad Hodge, Ankit Sharma, James Faulkner, Rajat Bhatia, Dhawal Kulkarni
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (captain), Lendl Simmons, Mike Hussey, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Aditya Tare, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Krishmar Santokie, Pragyan Ojha, Shreyash Gopal
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Hussey made a 39-ball 56 on his comeback
Comeback man Mike Hussey made 56.
The Australian and Simmons added 120 runs for the opening wicket, which incidentally was the first three-figure partnership for Mumbai in 30 games.
Hussey scored his runs in 39 balls with three fours and two sixes while Simmons took 51 balls, which included six fours and two sixes.
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Ankit Sharma picked up two wickets
Rajasthan drew the first blood immediately after the second strategic time-out as Ankit Sharma got both Simmons (62) and Hussey (56) within a space of two deliveries--- both caught in the deep by Cooper.
Ankit ended with impressive figures of two for 23 in four overs.
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Rohit made a 19-ball 40 before being run out
Rohit Sharma showed his big-hitting prowess during a 19-ball cameo that fetched him 40 runs with three fours and four sixes.
The Mumbai captain and a subdued Kieron Pollard (14 not out) added 56 for the third wicket in five overs.
Rohit hit successive sixes off Faulkner in the final over before being run out by the bowler.
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Rajasthan suffered a second straight defeat
Karun Nair with 48 off 24 balls was the lone ranger for the Royals. Brad Hodge (40) and James Faulkner (31) tried their bit but it was too late by then.
It was a collective effort by the MI bowlers led by senior pro Harbhajan Singh, who outshone others with brilliant figures of two for 13 from four overs. Pragyan Ojha also did his bit with two for 30 from his four overs.
Royals' team management's baffling decision to rest the performing trio of Ajinkya Rahane, Pravin Tambe and Steven Smith backfired as the team lost the necessary momentum going into the match.
Royals with 14 points from 12 games remain third in the table and firmly in the hunt. But back to back losses will certainly affect their chances of finishing in the top two which would have given them an additional game.
Mumbai now have eight points from 11 matches.