Rohit leads Mumbai to IPL playoffs, beat RCB by 5 wickets

Photo: BCCI New Delhi: Rohit Sharma finally delivered the goods for Mumbai Indians as they got past Royal Challengers Bangalore by 5 wickets in a close match to become the first team to secure qualification for the playoffs of IPL 2017.  Captain Rohit Sharma anchored the chase with a classy 56 not out off 37 balls. Hardik Pandya (14*) also held his nerve at the other end to drive Mumbai home. At one point it appeared to be a close one to call when Mumbai required 33 off the last 21 balls with only 5 wickets in hand. But Rohit played some scintillating shots towards the end and secured the victory in the last over. Chasing 163 for victory, Mumbai were off to a dreadful start. In-form Parthiv Patel miscued a pull shot off the very first ball to provide a simple catch at short mid wicket. However, Nitsh Rana and Jos Buttler resurrected the innings and laid a solid foundation for the chase. The duo put together a crucial 61 run stand before Negi put an end to Buttler’s innings at 33. Negi accounted for Rana (27) also and the double strike brought RCB back in the contest. The experienced pair of Pollard and Rohit then joined hands to bail Mumbai out of trouble. The hosts again suffered back to back blows when Pollard was out for 17 and Krunal Pandya had to retire hurt for 2. Mumbai’s hopes solely depended on captain Rohit and he did not disappoint the home crowd. Mumbai have now got 16 points in 10 matches and have already secured a playoff spot. Earlier, RCB stuttered their way 162 for 8 in their 20 overs.   AB de Villiers (43) emerged as the top-scorer for RCB after he blasted three fours and as many sixes in his 27-ball innings. Pawan Negi (35) and Kedar Jadhav (28) provided the late charge to take them across the 150-mark. Mitchell McClenaghan (3/34) returned with a three-wicket haul and Krunal Pandya (2/34) took two wickets, while Karn Sharma (1/23) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) accounted for one wicket each after RCB skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat.