Match 45: Kings XI Punjab vs. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians after return of Sachin Tendulkar became more confident and gelled as unit. Mumbai who are unbeaten from consecutive 6 games they played after loosing 4 opening matches. Sachin Tendulkar won toss and elected visitors to bat first. Kings XI Punjab with solid and aggressive batting started things in grand way. After early loss of James Hopes, Marsh and Pomerbasch soon capitilized to form a big and important partnership. Aussie combination worked effectively for Kings XI Punjab they scored 134 runs together. After departure of Marsh who scored 81 runs and steered team towards decisive total. Meanwhile Pomerbach continued to bat flawless and stayed unbeaten on 79 runs till the end of innings no major parntership formed after arrival of Marsh. Punjab siezed their innings scoring 189 runs.
Sanath Jayasuriya and Sachin Tendulkar went out to bat and chase massive total of 190 initialized things in superb way. But most expected Jayasuriya dismissed by Sreesanth then Tendulkar and Smith formed a short more worthful partnership but Smith ran out and Mumbai Indians incurred in more problems then Abhishek Nayyar joined captain to rescue Mumbai Indians in difficult situation after a useful contribution of 27 off 18 he felt just after Nayyar well set batsman Sachin Tendulkar which changed the complete tempo of game in favour of Kings XI Punjab. Punjab soon captilised and took instant wickets on the spot of Uthappa and Pollock. Major break troughs caused trouble for late orders tailenders. However they struck level best but due to absolute classical fielding made Kings XI Punjab winner of the game by just one 1 run. 5 run-out created special efforts to win over strong batting line-up of Mumbai Indians. The win over Mumbai opened doors for Kings XI Punjab in semis. Shaun Marsh again awarded as Man of The Match due to splendid piece of batting.
