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Mumbai: Kieron Pollard blasted a stunning 13-ball unbeaten 45 and then produced a superb bowling and fielding performance as Mumbai Indians thumped Delhi Daredevils by 39 runs in their IPL match on Tuesday.
West Indian Pollard used his massive frame to produce a late blitzkrieg, scoring five sixes and two fours in 13 balls to take table toppers Mumbai 183 for four after electing to bat at the Brabourne Stadium.
The Trinidadian, who was bought at the last IPL auction for a sum exceeding the cap of $750,000, then bowled an economical spell of 4-0-15-0 and also made a run-out of Paul Collingwood.
Chasing 184, Delhi, who needed a win for improving their semifinal chances, faltered against the determined Mumbai bowling and fielding efforts and were stranded at 144 for seven.
David Warner briefly threatened to take the Mumbai attack by the scruff but fell for 31 in 15 balls and the rest of the batsmen flopped. Two key batsmen Virender Sehwag (20) and Paul Collingwood (2) were run out, a repeat of their poor display in running between the wickets against Kings XI Punjab in their last match.
Andrew McDonald remained unconquered on 33 along with Pradeep Sangwan (6).
Left arm spinner Murtaza Ali, included in the team after a gap of few matches, bowled extremely well to return figures of two for 18 while Dilhara Fernando, getting his first match, ended up with two for 32.
With the win, Mumbai, who have already qualified for the semifinals, took their tally of points to 18 and are sure to top the table at the conclusion of the league phase.
Delhi remained stranded at 12 points and need to win their last two ties -- against Chennai Super Kings away and Deccan Chargers at home to enter the semifinals.
Earlier, West Indian Kieron Pollard struck lusty blows at the fag end of the innings to remain unbeaten on 45 and take Mumbai Indians to an impressive 183 for four.
Till powerfully built Pollard's arrival at crease, Delhi had things under control but in only 13 balls he changed the complexion of innings by slamming five sixes and two fours.
The Trinidadian's late-order pyrotechnics helped MI add 39 runs in last two overs and give the home team a big total.
Pollard and J P Duminy (21 not out in 14 balls) added 60 runs in the last 18 balls that totally upset the calculations of Delhi whose bowlers' fine display kept Mumbai down to manageable levels for the major part of the innings.
Seeking a crucial victory to keep alive their semifinal hopes, the visitors struck blows at regular intervals and did not allow any home team batsman, including captain Sachin Tendulkar, to score big till Pollard's blitz.
Tendulkar, coming into the tie on the back of his match-winning knock of 89 not out against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, started off well but departed for 30.
Saurabh Tiwary (38 in 28 balls) and Ambati Rayudu (24 in 21 balls) also did their bit before Pollard struck massive blows at the fag end.
Brief scores
Mumbai Indians 183 for 4 (Pollard 45*, Tiwary 38)
Delhi Daredevils 144 for 7 (McDonald 33*, Murtaza 2-18, Fernando 2-32)
Result Mumbai Indians won by 39 runs
MOM Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
