How Mumbai Indians owe yesterday's caning of Delhi to out-of-form Kieron Pollard and out-of-favour Ali Murtaza

Mumbai's Pollard, Ali too good for Daredevils

How Mumbai Indians owe yesterday's caning of Delhi to out-of-form Kieron Pollard and out-of-favour Ali Murtaza

In the end, it turned out to be a clinical performance by the Mumbai Indians. But two players who stood out for the hosts with sterling performances were West Indian Kieron Pollard and Indian Cricket League returnee Murtaza Ali.

The duo combined aggression, patience, skill, guile, athleticism and above all composure to push back Delhi Daredevils and create a huge dent in their chances of sealing a semi-final berth. Delhi now have to win both their matches if they fancy their chances of coming one step closer to the IPL title.

Coming into the match, a lot had been said and written about Pollard's form. Ali was never considered after being hammered by Rajasthan Royals' Yusuf Pathan in Mumbai Indians' opener at the Brabourne Stadium on March 13. He had sorry figures of 4-0-46-1. So, when they took the field at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday, a lot was at stake for them. And both successfully walked the path of redemption.

Pollard hammered a 13-ball 45 to help MI set Daredevils a stiff target and Ali picked up two crucial wickets AB de Villiers and Dinesh Karthik to eventually end with figures of 4-0-18-2. The duo was also brilliant in the field with Ali taking a good catch and Pollard creating two run outs. Pollard slammed 24 of his 45 in the last over, dashing Delhi's hopes of chasing an attainable target.

"The last over changed the complexion of the game. It was easily the turning point of the match. We were confident of chasing down a total of 160-odd but 185 turned out to be a bit too much," Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir said, also admitting that if the next two affairs are not won, it is curtains for his team.

Pollard for his part said: "In the last three overs, I was trying to play my game. I am happy that it came off and helped my team win."

Pollard also negated suggestions that his devastating performance last evening might tempt the think-tank to promote him up the order.

"I am happy wherever the team management decides I should bat. The important thing is about the team doing well and whatever part I can play whether batting, bowling and fielding, I am happy and satisfied," the all-rounder said.

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