Punjab sneak one-run thriller

Mumbai, May 21:

A dramatic last over — which included a six, a four, a dropped catch and three run-outs — allowed Kings XI Punjab to end Mumbai Indians’ six-match winning streak and boost their hopes for a place in the Indian Premier League semi-finals today.

Shaun Marsh and Luke Pomersbach’s 134-run stand laid the platform but it was Punjab’s accurate bowling under pressure that brought the game to a head in the final over. Mumbai Indians were dismissed for 188 in reply to Punjab’s 189-4 in 20 overs.

Shaun Marsh and Luke Pomersbach’s partnership set up a big total for Kings XI Punjab. Mumbai’s bowlers failed to contain the damage even after Marsh, who scored 81 off 56 balls, was dismissed as Pomersbach led the mad rush for runs at the end of the innings and added 55 in the final five overs. Pomersbach remained unbeaten on 79 off 50 balls. Siddharth Chitnis took 2-40 while Shaun Pollock and Dilhara Fernando claimed one wicket each for Mumbai Indians.

Sachin Tendulkar led the Mumbai’s run chase with 46-ball 65 while Jayasuriya chipped in 20. S Sreesanth claimed 3-35 and Yuvraj Singh 2-12 for Punjab.