RCB crash out, Mumbai hammer Royals
DECCAN Chargers ended Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL play-off hopes with a nine-run win at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, as the group stage comes to a close In the later match, Mumbai Indians warmed up for the play-offs with a thumping 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals.
After setting a modest target of 137 in their innings, Deccan were able to limit Bangalore to 123-9 to seal victory in a disappointing end to the season for Virat Kohli’s side.
Dale Steyn was the standout player for Deccan, taking three wickets for just eight runs, including the key scalp of RCB opener Chris Gayle (27) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (4).
India batsman Kohli top-scored for RCB with 42 off 40 balls but he admitted his efforts were too slow for what should have been a straightforward run chase.
“We could have played better shots, we did not play the right shots on that wicket,” he said afterwards.
“We did not get in first. My wicket probably changed the game. We just need to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger next year.
“The wicket was not that bad to bat on… you need to have clarity in the mind about what sort of shots to play.”
The Challengers needed a win to force themselves into the top four and they looked to be in a decent position after winning the toss, with the Chargers slipping to 51 for four.
But Jean-Paul Duminy blasted four fours and five sixes in his 74 to help Deccan reach 132 for seven. Vinay Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with three for 22.
Bangalore opener Gayle plundered three fours and two sixes in his 10-ball 27 before he was bowled by Steyn.
Kohli anchored the Challengers’ innings but he departed for 42 and a steady flow of wickets undermined their charge as they fell just short against the IPL’s basement side.
Their defeat means Chennai Super Kings will join Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in the play-offs.
The Indians, already guaranteed a top four place before the match, lost the toss and big-hitting Australian Shane Watson top-scored with 45 as the Royals reached 162 for six.
Stuart Binny struck 30, while Owais Shah and Ashok Menaria contributed 28 not out and 21 respectively, with Dhawal Kulkarni taking three for 18 to finish as the pick of Mumbai’s bowlers.
Any hopes that might be a competitive total were quickly dismissed as Sachin Tendulkar and Dwayne Smith settled into their stride immediately.
Smith was the more attacking of the two, plundering 10 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 81, while Tendulkar finished on 58 not out as Mumbai reached their target of 163 with two overs to spare.  (Eurosport / PA Sport).