(REUTERS) – Mumbai Indians’ opening partnership fired to set up a tense four-wicket win and eliminate Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from this year’s IPL yesterday. Aiden Blizzard and Sachin Tendulkar smashed 81 runs off 7.5 overs to get the Indians off to a dream start in their chase, but they lost wickets in a heap after the early blitz, but managed to chase down the 148-run target with four deliveries to spare to set up a clash with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a place in Saturday’s final.
New Zealand’s James Franklin remained unbeaten on 29 as Harbhajan Singh brought up the victory with a six over mid-wicket.
Australian Blizzard (30-ball 51) hit seven boundaries and two sixes and dominated the opening stand with Tendulkar (36) after the Mumbai bowlers, led by Munaf Patel’s three for 27, restricted Kolkata to 147 for seven.
Kolkata lost four quick wickets for just 20 runs inside the sixth over after Tendulkar opted to field first at the Wankhede Stadium.
Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate (49-ball 70) stemmed the fall of wickets with a 60-run fifth-wicket stand with Yusuf Pathan and hit some timely blows in the closing overs for KKR.