Firm Rohit, fiery Pollard gun down 175

MUMBAI: Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 49-ball 68 anchored Mumbai Indians’ successful chase of 175 against Kolkata Knight Riders here at the Wankhede stadium on Thursday.

There were six bowling options that Gautam Gambhir could use to defend a total of 174 for 5 which he had helped build with a 29th half-century. All of them had played international cricket.

But his team relies on the spinners to effect a slowdown and drive the batsman into panicking. That was not possible with dew gathering on the outfield, making it quicker, and helping the ball come onto the bat better.

Its impact was clear as Rohit and Ambati Rayudu struck 10 boundaries in 34 balls. Kieron Pollard muscled his way to an unbeaten 17-ball fifty and sealed the victory with his sixth six of the night.