Defending Champions Mumbai Indians got off to a quiet start, setting a target of 158 against the Highveld Lions at the Wanderers here on Sunday. Putting in to bat by Lions skipper Alviro Peterson, Mumbai put up a total of 157-6 in their 20 overs.
Australian southpaw Mitchell Johnson was the top-scorer with the bat, getting 30 off 29 balls with four boundary hits. Openers Dwayne Smith (26 off 19 balls with six fours), Sachin Tendulkar (16) and one-drop Rohit Sharma (27) also got starts but failed to carry it forward as the Lions took regular wickets to restrict Mumbai to a par score.
The Lions' international recruits Sohail Tanvir (2-31) and Dirk Nannes (1-15 off 4 overs) were the pick of the bowlers.
A late cameo from Dinesh Karthik eventually guided Mumbai past the 150-run mark.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 157-6 in 20 overs (M Johnson 30, R Sharma 27, D Smith 26; S Tanvir 2-31, D Nannes 1-15) vs Lions
Jayawardene praises 'mature' Unmukt
Young Indian batsman Unmukt Chand drew lavish praise from his Delhi Daredevils skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who said the teenager showed a lot of maturity in his 40-run knock that proved crucial in the team's win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
{{/usCountry}}Young Indian batsman Unmukt Chand drew lavish praise from his Delhi Daredevils skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who said the teenager showed a lot of maturity in his 40-run knock that proved crucial in the team's win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
{{/usCountry}}"it was good knock. I saw him batting in the Under-19 World Cup final as well. That was also a fantastic knock. When we came here, I wanted to try and back him and give him an opportunity," Jayawardene said.
"But I wasn't sure where he is going to fit in that batting line-up. I think he is a very mature young cricketer who understands the game well. They were tough conditions but I think he handled them very well; so all credit to him. And hopefully he can improve further," added the Sri Lankan.