West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons stroked an unbeaten half-century to lift Mumbai Indians to a convincing nine-wicket win over Southern Express on Sunday, and keep alive the Indian Premier League giants’ hopes of a spot in the main draw of the Champions League Twenty20.
Chasing a tricky 162 for victory in their second match of the qualifiers at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Mumbai romped to their target off 16.2 overs, with the right-handed Simmons stroking 76.
He faced 51 balls and struck 11 fours and a six, adding 139 for the first wicket with Australian Mike Hussey whose 60 came from 40 balls and included five fours and three sixes.
West Indies power-hitter Kieron Pollard, who is leading the side, finished the innings in style with three massive sixes in an unbeaten 20 off just seven deliveries. Earlier, the Sri Lankan side Southern Express rallied well to reach a decent score after being sent in, with lower order batsman Farveez Maharoof striking 41 not out off 22 balls with three fours and two sixes.
Two teams from the four-team qualifying playoff will earn spots in the main draw.
Mumbai suffered a shock six-wicket loss to Lahore Lions in their first match on Saturday.