PUNE: Three-time champion Mumbai Indians stayed afloat in the Indian Premier League after beating Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets on Saturday.

Mumbai restricted Chennai to 169-5 then overhauled it with 170-2 with two balls remaining for only its second win in seven games.

The Indians need at least another five wins in their last seven games to stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

"We wanted this win desperately but we also wanted to stay calm," said Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma, the man of the match for his 56 not out.

"We batted, bowled and fielded well, and this game will give us confidence going ahead. We are very much alive (in the tournament)."

After openers Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 34 balls) and Evin Lewis (47 off 43 balls) slammed the Chennai attack, Sharma scored a 31-ball half-century and finished with an unbeaten 56 off 33 balls. With him at the end was Hardik Pandya, 13 not out.

Yadav and Lewis combined for an opening stand of 69 off 59 balls when Yadav was caught at cow corner off Harbhajan Singh.

Sharma then came in and added 59 off 38 balls with Lewis.

Lewis hit three fours and two sixes, and Sharma struck six fours and two sixes.

Mumbai was in sight of victory when Lewis holed out off Dwayne Bravo in the 17th over.

Sharma hit four boundaries off Shardul Thakur in the penultimate over and finished the job

Earlier, Suresh Raina scored his second half-century, 75 not out off 47 balls, and helped Chennai reach 169-5 after being put into bat.

Despite losing Shane Watson early for 12, the in-form Ambati Rayudu (46 off 35 balls) gave his side another quick start. He added 71 runs with Raina.

Raina reached his half-century off 35 balls.

Mumbai's Krunal Pandya took 2-32 and broke the partnership, after which Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (26) added 46 for the third wicket.

Overall, Raina hit six fours and four sixes but Chennai was handcuffed in the death overs as three wickets were lost for 18 runs.

Despite their second defeat, Chennai remained the league leader.

"We were short by 10-15 runs," captain Dhoni said. "Mumbai bowled really well in the middle overs. In the league stage, you will lose (at some point). We have won quite a few games and this defeat will help us stay humble."

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