11 April,2010 11:52 PM IST | | Agencies
Led by Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai beat Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs
Only the Master Blaster and in-form Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar could beat Rajasthan Royals at home in the Indian Premier League and become the first team to enter the semi-finals of the tournament.
Tendulkar struck an unbeaten 59-ball 89, his highest Indian Premier League score, to help Mumbai Indians post a competitive 174 for five against Rajasthan Royals.
Defending 175, Mumbai Indian bowlers attacked right from the first over and restrict Royals.
But it was three run outs for Royals that spelt disaster for them in the crucial league game at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, thus spoiling their record of not losing at home.
Tendulkar mixed caution with aggression and decorated his innings with 10 fours and two sixes to notch up his fifth half century of the tournament.
Yet again the Mumbai innings revolved around Tendulkar as he first shared crucial 63 runs for the fourth wicket with JP Duminy (31 off 32) and then added 50 runs with Kieron Pollard (25 off 13) to guide the table toppers to the challenging score especially after they were 30 for three at one stage.
Shane Watson was the pick of the Rajasthan bowlers with figures of three for 37.
