Mumbai Indians survived a brutal assault by Yusuf Pathan, who struck a belligerent 37-ball century, to record a thrilling four-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the Indian Premier League in Mumbai on Saturday.
Yusuf slammed an astonishing nine sixes and eight fours while making exactly 100 runs to bring the Royals on the doorstep of a brilliant victory after Mumbai Indians made 212 for six. But after his dismissal, the Royals were stopped in their tracks.
Yusuf was run out brilliantly by R Satish whom he had treated with utter disdain during his superb 107-run partnership with the unheralded Paras Dogra (41 off 29 balls) for the fifth wicket to raise visions of a great come-from- behind victory.
But the marauder from Baroda was run out in the first ball of the 18th over and the rest of the batting order could not provide the finishing touch.
Needing 12 runs in the last over bowled by Lasith Malinga, the Royals ended at 208 for seven after losing Dogra and Amit Uniyal in the first two balls.
Dmitry Mascarenhas and captain Shane Warne could not complete the job.
{{/usCountry}}Dmitry Mascarenhas and captain Shane Warne could not complete the job.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier fine half centuries from Ambati Rayudu (55) and Saurabh Tiwary (53) following a sound start piloted Mumbai Indians to their highest-ever IPL total. More