HYDERABAD, India, CMC – Lendl Simmons’ half-century lay the foundation for a successful Mumbai Indians run chase, as they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets here yesterday.
Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Mumbai overhauled their target of 158 with eight balls to spare, with West Indies stroke-maker Simmons providing the joint top score of 68.
He lost opening partner Chidhambaram Gautam for one with the score on two in the second over but then added 130 for the second wicket with Ambati Rayudu who also hit 68.
Simmons faced 50 balls and counted five fours and four sixes while Rayudu struck seven fours and two sixes off 46 deliveries.
The right-handed Simmons was particularly severe on seamer Irfan Pathan, hitting a four and two sixes off the bowler’s first over – the fifth of the innings – which cost 16 runs.
He helped carry Mumbai to within sight of victory before he was bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 16th over, yorked off-stump looking for a big hit.
His Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies teammate Kieron Pollard finished on six not out as Mumbai easily got home to register only their third win of a disappointing season.
Earlier, Australians Aaron Finch (68) and David Warner (55 not out) got half-centuries as Sunrisers, without deposed West Indies Test captain Darren Sammy, managed 157 for three from their 20 overs after choosing to bat first.
