Mumbai: Mumbai Indians edged closer to a second consecutive title clash by eliminating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from the Indian Premier League (IPL) by inflicting a four-wicket defeat on them in a thrilling knockout match here on Wednesday.
Mumbai will now take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday in the Qualifier-II, the winner of which will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash on Saturday.
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Munaf Patel (3/27) was the most successful bowler and Lasith Malinga, as usual, was the most economical, giving away just 19 runs apart from one wicket.
The hosts then overcame a few hiccups to reach the target with four balls to spare as they lost several quick wickets after openers Sachin Tendulkar (36) and Aiden Blizzard (51) scored a quick 81.
With this victory, Mumbai also qualified for the next Champions League.
Rohit Sharma (0), Ambati Rayudu (12) and Kieron Pollard (3) fell early but James Franklin, who engineered Mumbai’s victory in the last match against the same opponents, again played smartly to ensure they were not upset by KKR.
Left-hander Franklin scored 29 of his 25 unbeaten points.
But for the heroics of Dutch batsman Ryan ten Doschate, who scored an unbeaten 70 under pressure, Kolkata would not have gotten close to the 150-run mark.
Kolkata were 20 for four after six overs but a dogged Doscheit revived their innings with his fighting knock that produced 49 balls and nine boundaries, including three sixes.