Surya, Santner guide MI into playoffs

WHEN Suryakumar Yadav walked in to bat against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, despite losing Rohit Sharma early, Mumbai Indians were on a roll.

- GOMESH S @ Chennai

They finished the powerplay with 54/2 on board and looked all set to build on the momentum through middle-overs.

However, Kuldeep Yadav removed Ryan Rickleton and MI had to hit the brakes. Over the next 6.2 overs, along with Tilak Varma, Yadav had to slow down to ensure there was no further collapse.

In this period, they added just 40 runs from 38 balls.

It was only in the 14th over, MI got going. Yadav, who has hit a purple patch of sorts, recorded his 13th consecutive 25+ scores in T20s, equalling the record with South African Temba Bavuma.

Just as it looked like they were shifting gears, Tilak and Hardik Pandya fell in quick succession.

With 12 balls left in the innings, MI were lingering at 132/5, quite the contrary to the way they had finished the powerplay.