IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab keep their playoff hopes alive with thrilling win over Mumbai Indians

Martin Guptill timed his jump to perfection just in front of rivals Mumbai Indians dug out at the boundary line, plucking the ball from thin air to dismiss the dangerous Lendl Simmons. That out to have been a match-defining catch in favour of Kings XI Punjab at Mumbai Indians’ home ground, the Wankhede, here on Thursday.

Mumbai Indians, faced with a victory target of 231, were 99/1 in 8.4 overs when Simmons fell for a breezy 59 (32b). Three more wickets for almost next to nothing including that of Rohit Sharma, who fell yet again to a leg-spinner, did not help Mumbai Indians’ cause if they were to win and take the winning momentum going into the Play-offs.

But, in Kieron Pollard, they had match-winner who has completely changed the face of the match in the past. But, on Thursday night, Pollard stayed till the end with a 24-ball 50, but his efforts were not enough to see MI home.

Mohit Sharma’s brilliance in the last over when 16 were needed, and nine were required off the last four balls, sealed KXIP victory by seven runs to keep alive their hopes of a Play-offs place.

Mumbai Indians were set a target that no team …read more