Mumbai Indians threatened to claim a remarkable victory over Kings XI Punjab thanks to a late cameo innings from Harbhajan Singh on Sunday, only to fall 18 runs short in a dramatic IPL clash.
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Harbhajan, out of favour with India, came in with his side in a desperate situation at 59 for six in the 14th over. However, the veteran struck a 24-ball 64 to take his side to within touching distance of Mumbai’s score of 177 for five.
King XI built a competitive total thanks to a magnificent 61 from 32 balls by Australian George Bailey, ably supported by Murali Vijay (35) and Virender Sehwag (36).
Captain George Bailey is the ‘Man of the Match’ tonight. Congratulations captain. #KXIP #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) April 12, 2015
Lasinth Malinga and Harbhajan both took two wickets apiece to restrict Kings XI, while debutant Jadeesha Suchith chipped in with 1 for 41.
The Indians’ reply got off to a woeful start, losing Rohit Sharma for a second ball duck before Aditya Tare was caught at cover off Anureet Singh to leave the score at 15-2.
Aaron Finch also failed to make much of an impression as Mitchell Jonson struck before New Zealander Corey Anderson was stumped by Wriddhiman Saha with the score at 24 for 4.
Kieron Pollard departed for just 20 before Harbhajan took the fight to Kings XI with a 19-ball fifty thanks to five sixes and four fours.
With support from Suchithh, Harbhajan pushed his side to within 20 of the Punjab total, only to fall with one ball of the innings remaining for a valiant 64 with Kings XI claiming the victory at Wankhede Stadium.
