Kieron Pollard blasted a stunning 13-ball unbeaten 45 and then produced a superb bowling and fielding performance as Mumbai Indians thumped Delhi Daredevils by 39 runs in their IPL match in Mumbai on Tuesday .
West Indian Pollard used his massive frame to produce a late blitzkrieg, scoring five sixes and two fours in 13 balls to take table toppers Mumbai 183 for four after electing to bat at the Brabourne Stadium.
The Trinidadian, who was bought at the last IPL auction for a sum exceeding the cap of USD 750,000, then bowled an economical spell of 4-0-15-0 and also made a run-out of Paul Collingwood.
Chasing 184, Delhi, who needed a win for improving their semifinal chances, faltered against the determined Mumbai bowling and fielding efforts and were stranded at 144 for seven.
David Warner briefly threatened to take the Mumbai attack by the scruff but fell for 31 in 15 balls and the rest of the batsmen flopped. Two key batsmen -- Virender Sehwag (20) and Paul Collingwood (2) - were run out, a repeat of their poor display in running between the wickets against Kings XI Punjab in their last match.
Andrew McDonald remained unconquered on 33 along with Pradeep Sangwan (6).
Left arm spinner Murtaza Ali, included in the team after a gap of few matches, bowled extremely well to return figures of two for 18 while Dilhara Fernando, getting his first match, ended up with two for 32.
With the win today, Mumbai, who have already qualified for the semifinals, took their tally of points to 18 and are sure to top the table at the conclusion of the league phase.
Delhi remained stranded at 12 points and need to win their last two ties - against Chennai Super Kings away and Deccan Chargers at home -- to enter the semifinals.
Delhi started their run-chase in a very impressive fashion by rattling off runs in a breezy manner with Warner, who struck five fours and a six in his 15-ball 31, in his usual punishing mood, before the innings went into a tail-spin. PTI
