Mumbai crash to third defeat despite Pollard’s explosive 70
AHMEDABAD, India (CMC) — A powerful half-century from West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard was not enough to reverse the effects of a sluggish start by Mumbai Indians who tumbled to a seven-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) yesterday.
Pollard slammed an explosive topscore of 70 in 34 balls to reignite a slow start by Mumbai, who posted 164 for five in 20 overs at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The big-hitting Trinidadian smashed seven fours and five sixes to repair a run-rate that had dipped from the time Aaron Finch pulled up with what looked like a hamstring strain.
Mumbai’s top order failed despite the efforts of Pollard and Corey Anderson, who scored 50 from 38 balls.
Steven Smith scored an unbeaten 79 to anchor a chase of 165 and steered Rajasthan Royals to their third win in three games and Mumbai’s third loss in three.
Smith featured in a 64-run second-wicket stand with Ajinkya Rahane who scored 46 as Royals reached their target, losing only three wickets.
