May 08, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 2, 1429

MUMBAI, May 7: After beating Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils, the Shaun Pollock-led Mumbai Indians put it across Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets, also bringing to an end Royals’ five-match unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

Table-toppers Royals put up a pathetic batting display against an inspired Mumbai Indians and were shot out for a paltry 103 in only 16.2 overs.

For the second match running, the home team excelled on the field and also bowled with purpose to skittle out the visitors for a measly score and placed themselves in line for their third straight victory after losing their first four games.

Going into their seventh tie without regular captain Sachin Tendulkar’s services, the home team rocked the visitors with superb first spells by Shaun Pollock and Ashish Nehra, their most successful bowler.

A plucky and somewhat lucky 39 in 36 balls by opener Swapnil Asnodkar and an attacking 32 by Australian all-rounder Shane Watson were the only bright spots in the Rajasthan Royals’ all-too-forgettable batting effort.

Put in to bat, the visitors made a poor start by losing two early wickets before being revived by the aggressive Watson, who struck four fours and a six in his 20-ball knock, and Asnodkar thorough a third wicket partnership worth 53 runs in 29 balls.

The visiting team, who came into the tie on the back of five straight wins after having lost their first tie in the tournament, were rocked by Pollock and Nehra and were 21 for two in the fourth over, a beginning from which they never recovered fully.

Mumbai Indians then clinically finished off the proceedings with 4.5 overs remaining, thanks to Robin Uthappa’s unbeaten 34 off 21 deliveries.

Summarised scores:

RAJASTHAN ROYALS 103 in 16.2 overs (Swapnil Asnodkar 39, Shane Watson 32; Ashish Nehra 3-13, Dwayne Bravo 2-12, Rohan Raje 2-19, Dhawal Kulkarni 2-21); MUMBAI INDIANS 104-3 in 15.1 overs (Robin Uthappa 34 not out, Yogesh Takawale 27; Shane Watson 2-26).—Agencies