IPL 2014: Simmons' century helps Indians overcome Kings XI; keeps Mumbai in the hunt
Mohali, May 22 (IANS) Lendl Simmons struck the first century of the season that kept Mumbai Indians in the hunt for a play-off spot as they beat Kings XI Punjab by seven wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the PCA Stadium here Tuesday.
Simmons struck a blistering 100 off 61 balls as Mumbai Indians while chasing a target of 157 made 159 with six balls to spare.
The comfortable win for defending champions took them to the fifth spot in the points table ahead of Royal Challengers and Sunrisers and are in the race for a qualifier berth in the play-offs.
Simmons took the attack to the Kings XI bowlers right from the start. In all he struck 14 fours and two sixes during the brutal knock.
Simmons dominance was apparent from the fact that during the 68-run opening stand, Mike Hussey remained a mute spectator scoring just six runs.
Ambati Rayudu (17) and Rohit Sharma (18) also gave some support to Simmons and Kieron Pollard (8 not out) finished things off in a style with a huge six in the penultimate over.
Earlier in the day, Virender Sehwag (17) gave Kings XI a good start as the hosts were 23 for no loss in the second over before he was dismissed in a freak run out.
Manan Vohra (36) and Shaun Marsh (30) got the innings on track with their 64-run stand for the secon wicket before skipper Geroge Bailey (39) and Rishi Dhawan (14 not out) added some respectability with their quick scoring.
For Mumbai Indians, Jaspreet Bumrah and Shreyas Gopal picked up two wickets each.