By BV Swagath
Mumbai Indians collected what was only their third victory in 9 matches as they beat hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad through a comprehensive batting performance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Chasing 158, Mumbai Indians were well placed towards a victory thanks to half centuries from opener Lendl Simmons (68 from 50 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes) and AT Rayudu (68 from 46 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes). The duo sealed the run chase with a big stand of 130 for the 2nd wicket. Mumbai Indians coasted home with a 7-wicket win with 8 balls to spare.
Rayudu played a terrific knock while Simmons picked up the pace later. The Man of the Match was awarded to Ambati Rayudu.
Sunrisers Hyderabad which is known for its superb bowling attack failed to defend the 157-run total for once. Bhuvneshwar Kumar though continued to impress taking 2 for 21 off his 4 overs.
Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad through the fifties from Aussies Aaron Finch (68 from 62 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes) and David Warner (55* from 31 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes) lifted them to 157 for 3. It would have been a much bigger total but for the brilliant death bowling from Lasith Malinga (4-0-35-2) and Jasprit Bumrah (4-0-24-0).
Toss and Teams: Hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad have won the toss and opted to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad against the Mumbai Indians in Match 36 of IPL 7. Mumbai Indians have made one change with Pragyan Ojha replacing Praveen Kumar while SRH retain the same team.
