Mumbai Indians Keep Play-off Hopes Alive With 5-run Win Over KKR

Mumbai Indians edge Kolkata Knight Riders to keep playoff hopes alive.

Mumbai Indians players celebrate their win against Kolkata Knight Riders during an IPL T20 match in Mumbai. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai Indians stayed on course for a play-off berth after pulling off a narrow five-run win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in a nerve-wracking last-over IPL thriller in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The hosts first recovered from a poor start of 79 for four to post 171-4 following a whirlwind knock of 61 not out in 31 balls from Hardik Pandya.

Chasing the score, Knight Riders lost wickets at regular intervals after a bright start of 45 but still were in the hunt for a win and a place in the play-off when they needed 12 runs in the last over bowled by Kieron Pollard, who conceded on six runs.

MI thus took their points tally to 14 with one last away game left to play against Sun Risers Hyderabad on May 17, while Kolkata have 15 with one match in hand against Rajasthan Royals to be played at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium here on May 16.

Yusuf Pathan of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot against Mumbai Indians during an IPL T20 match in Mumbai. (Photo: PTI)