xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Hardik Pandya finally came good with the bat as he scored a crucial 45 runs to guide Mumbai Indians (MI) to beat Punjab Kings by 6 wickets in IPL 2021 match at Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Chasing 136 runs to win Mumbai reached the target with one overs to spare. The win took MI to 5th spot with 10 points. The defending champions need to win their remaining three matches to qualify for the play offs. Punjab Kings on the other hand slipped to 6th place.

Saurabh Tiwary too played an innings of substance as he slammed 45 runs off 37 balls that comprised 3 fours and a couple of sixes. Tiwary was involved in a crucial partnership with opener Quinton de Kock (27) after MI were struggling at 16/2 in the 5th over. Later Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard stepped up the ante against Punjba Kings bowlers to complete the finishing duties for Mumbai Indians.

Earlier Punjab Kings were restricted to only 135/6. Pubjab did not have a great start losing KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh and Chris Gayle early. Aiden Markram did well with 42 off 29 to keep Punjab Kings in the hunt after Kieron Pollard did most of the damage by taking two wickets in one over.