New Delhi:It was another memorable day for the Mumbai Indians, as in spite of the tough fight from the Caribbean team, they fought off like the true warriors in the semifinals of the Champions League Twenty20 and stormed into their second final in three years with a six-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday night.
Chasing T&T’s 153 for five in 20 overs, Mumbai reached the target with five balls to spare to set up a mouthwatering clash against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.
Royals have been unbeaten in the tournament, led by Rahul Dravid. With Sachin Tendulkar being the pride of Mumbai, the meeting of two legends will surely raise excitement levels. Mumbai flourished through a brisk 90-run opening stand between Dwayne Smith (59), who batted with characteristic chutzpah, and Tendulkar.
Ever since Tendulkar stepped on the Kotla ground, the incessant chants of his name reverberated in the air. Thousands thronged in anticipations of seeing the last of the Little Masters’ Twenty20 appearance, and so charged was the atmosphere that it appeared that T&T were playing against the national side.
Even his 35-runs stay, during which he hit two back-to-back delectable sixes and as many fours, was enough to throw the crowd into ecstasy.
His dash for the 26th-run conjured another milestone of completing 50,000 runs in all formats of cricket. His dismissal, a thick edge to wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin off Lendl Simmons, prompted a characteristic tuck of his bat to his side as he departed with bent head and pursed lips. But a packed Kotla rose on its feet to salute the master.
Sunil Narine (3-17) then triggered panic by picking Smith and Ambati Rayudu within four balls and later returning to knock off the middle stump of inform and dangerous looking Rohit Sharma.
But apart from Narine, none of the bowlers could be stand up to T&T, who were unlucky to lose Rayad Emrits, who hurt his shoulder in the first over of Mumbai innings.
For Mumbai, Dinesh Karthik alongwith Kieron Pollard rose to the occasion towards the end. Karthik hit the winning runs by sending Simmons’ full toss over cover for six, leaving Mumbai camp celebrating among the dazzle of fireworks.
It was a disappointing end for T&T, who rustled some sensational batting performances earlier in the day. Evin Lewis (62) is undoubtedly the find of the season for the Caribbean side. Despite losing Simmons early to Harbhajan Singh, Lewis ensured slide in racking up runs.
His dismissal, however, turned out to be ironic, a meek return catch through an edge, to Kieron Pollard. Yannick Ottley carried the momentum with some late strikes but it didn’t prove enough against the batting might of Mumbai.
