MI: Kings XI Punjab thump Mumbai Indians by 76 runs

MOHALI: Number 10 team beating Number one. It was an upset of that sort in the IPL 4 at PCA stadium Mohali on Tuesday night.


It was a freak top-order failure from the formidable Mumbai Indians as they were washed out for 87 - a mere 87 - and lost in just 12.5 overs to a team that had been tagged as no hopers of the league. Baroda spinner Bhargav Bhatt hurried up things down the order with his spell of 22/4, but Mumbai Indians will need to look at themselves for the defeat and the manner in which they crumbled.

Before going into the match, Kings XI Punjab might have fancied their chances only if someone came up with something extra-ordinary, but to see a champion side put up such an ordinary show, was surely a bit too much. But Mumbai Indians do have a history of crashing here. In 2008, MI lost both their matches to Kings XI Punjab. And in the first leg they registered their lowest score of 84. On Tuesday, MI put up their second sub-100 score eclipsing the 94 they registered against Rajasthan Royals.

Mumbai’s downfall began in the third over as Tendulkar was dismissed by Praveen Kumar. By the fifth over, they were 27 for 3 and before the end of the 10th over, they were reeling at 55 for 6. Bhargav Bhatt's 13th over polished off the tail and that was the end of the story.

Earlier, Mumbai Indians' Munaf Patel picked up a five-for, but despite that effort, Kings still put up a creditable 163/8.

Kings XI Punjab had no answer to Munaf's teasing line and a measured length as the middle-order crumbled yet again in search of quick runs. With 120 runs on board and still five overs to go, 180 looked possible. But Keiron Pollard's breath-taking catch of Shaun Marsh (43; 34b, 5x4) at mid-wicket changed the scenario completely as Kings' brittle middleorder made a familiar slide. Dinesh Karthik (31; 23b, 4x4,1x6) however enhanced his reputation playing brilliantly in the middle-order.

A reprieve from Symonds to Gilchrist at extra cover and Aiden Blizzard's missed sitter off Karthik were the sign of things to come. If the fielding was bad, the batting that followed was worse.

TOI

Probably the toughest day of my career: Ganguly

HYDERABAD: After remaining unbeaten and carrying the Pune Warriors past the target in his first IPL game, a candid Sourav Ganguly, who was given a rapturous reception by spectators here, called it "probably the toughest day of my career". He said he had not touched a bat for five months, but that didn't deter the 38-year-old from putting in an impressive performance.

Ganguly used all his experience to shepherd the chase after Jessie Ryder played a blazing knock, and kept talking to Manish Pandey as they stitched together a 33-run stand for the second wicket.

The Bengal southpaw took charge of the proceedings thereafter as Robin Uthappa and Yuvraj Singh fell cheaply. Ganguly and Callum Ferguson, who struck three crucial blows in Daniel Christian's over, then ensured a comprehensive win for their team against Deccan Chargers.

"It's probably the toughest day of my career. I haven't picked a cricket bat for five months. I came here with zero confidence," Ganguly said, admitting that he had a lot of work to do to meet expectations. "Fielding will also get better, it's about anticipating what I haven't done for a while," he said.

Warriors coach Geoff Marsh was all praise, saying, "It is great to see Sourav get runs here. He was very nervous going into the match but did well to show that he has the ability to win matches. His love and passion for the game is still very much alive."

On not playing Ganguly in the previous game, Marsh said: "He said he was not ready and hence we had to bench him. He wanted to be mentally and physically ready before taking the field. It was an all-round performance from us. We did well in all departments of the game." Maybe, there's more to come from Ganguly this season.

TOI

I just could not control myself: Sachin

Not many may have seen this side of him, but Sachin Tendulkar broke down as he paid his last respects to Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthy recently.

And even if Sai Baba might not be present physically, Sachin says he still connects with him in his dreams. "That's where I draw my strength from. He will always be with me," says an emotional Sachin.

Everyone saw you getting emotional.

In fact you broke down post World Cup triumph too...

It's just that I could not control myself. Baba has always been my mentor and it was a great loss when he left us. But I remember his lessons and will continue to adhere to them. I felt very low on the day that I sat near his body.

You've always set examples. We saw you playing your best despite the fact that you were disturbed. You did the same many years ago when you lost your father.

I try my best to involve myself in the game as much as possible. Such losses are irreparable and I'll miss their presence.

What about Jaipur?

You went there and sat under the tree where Baba had delivered a discourse over four decades ago.

I will be visiting Jaipur often now. It was a very different feeling when I got near the tree. The world looked very different and appealing. Yes I got quiet for a while and kept thinking. Whenever I get time, I'll go spend some time under that peepal tree.

What about the 'Guru dakshina'? We heard about your plan to get a marble statue of Baba's installed. Is this true?

I can't say anything. It's personal.

What's happening otherwise? Any movies that you plan to do in the future?

Nothing much. Everything's going good and I am enjoying cricket. There's no movie happening at all, my main focus is very much on the game.

Your son Arjun has started playing. What you have to say?

He's positive in his approach. He keeps playing and doesn't leave a chance to travel.

Would you like to say something to all budding cricketers around?

Be focused and play with commitment. Don't ever be hasty in your decisions and most importantly respect your elders.

TOI