HYDERABAD — Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by nine wickets and qualified for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. Earlier, Mitchell McClenaghan and Jagadeesha Suchith's brilliant spells helped Mumbai restrict Hyderabad to a paltry 113. Lendl Simmons and Parthiv Patel came out to open with a positive intent and handled things in a very composed manner. Brief scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 113 (KL Rahul 25, Dale Steyn 18 not out; M. McClenaghan 3-16, J. Suchith 2-14). Mumbai Indians 114-1 in 13.5 overs (L. Simmons 48, P. Patel 51 not out; Karn Sharma 1-38). Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and former champion Rajasthan Royals (RR) also made it to the playoffs, joining table toppers Chennai Kings. Bangalore and Delhi match was abandoned and the teams earned one point each, which helped Bangalore clinch third place. Shane Watson‘s blistering knock of 104 and Chris Morris‘s 4-23 helped Rajasthan register a nine-run win over defending champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai Saturday. Earlier, RR skipper, Steven Smith elected to bat first on a flat batting track and finished on a challenging total of 199-6. KKR began the chase on a shaky note, as openers, Gambhir and Robin Uthappa departed without making any significant contribution. However, Yusuf Pathan and explosive all-rounder Andre Russell rallied KKR. But From Russel's dismissal for 37 at the score of 132 in 14th over to Morris, KKR began to lose confidence. A final assault by Umesh Yadav could not save KKR and it succumbed to a nine run defeat. Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 199-6 (S. Watson 104 not out, A. Rahane 37; A. Russell 3-32). Kolkata Knight Riders 190-9 (Y. Pathan 44, A. Russell 37; C. Morris 4-23). — SG
