Bowlers save the day for Mumbai in the IPL against Pune

Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh and Munaf Patel shine as meagre score of 120 defended.

Munaf Patel frustrated Pune Warriors India's hopes of victory against the Mumbai Indians with a tight final over.

Munaf Patel and the Mumbai Indians held their nerve to defeat the Pune Warriors India by one run last night in the Indian Premier League.

Mumbai had looked to be facing defeat after collapsing from 50 without loss to 120 for nine in their innings.

But their attack, led by captain Harbhajan Singh (two for 18) and Lasith Malinga (two for 25) made things difficult for Pune, and the visitors looked to be in big trouble at 47 for four.

But a stand of 47 between Mithun Manhas (42 not out) and Sourav Ganguly (16) had kept Pune in the hunt.

But needing 12 off the last over from Munaf, Pune looked to be out of it after scoring only three off the first three bowls.

But a boundary from the penultimate ball by Bhuvneshwar Kumar left them requiring four off the last ball to win.

But he was unable to repeat the feat off the final ball, striking Kumar's full toss only as far as mid-wicket and the two runs conceded were enough for Mumbai to claim their sixth win of the tournament.

A relieved Harbhajan said in his post match TV interview: "Our bowlers did a fantastic job.

"It was not an easy wicket to bat on. We did not expect it to play like this as it was keeping low and was difficult for the batsmen.

Sachin Tendulkar (34) and James Franklin (25) had got Mumbai off to a solid start after Harbhajan had chosen to bat.

But once Franklin holed out off the bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (two for nine) the Mumabi innings fell apart as they lost wickets at regular stages.

At 93 for seven Mumbai appeared in danger of not making it to three figures for the second time in the tournament.

But Lasith Malinga (14) hit some crucial late runs, including one big six, to get Mumbai to what would ultimately prove to be a winning score.

Today's action sees Chennai Super Kings, the winners of the tournament for the last two years, take on bottom side Deccan Chargers.

* The National staff with agency

Follow us