Pollard's cameo fails to lift Mumbai

MUMBAI, India (CMC):

A late flourish from Kieron Pollard failed to carry Mumbai Indians over the hump, and the Chennai Super Kings were crowned champions of the Indian Premier League with a 22-run victory yesterday.

The West Indies all-rounder strangely batted at number eight and whacked three fours and two sixes in 27 from 10 balls, but his effort was too little and too late, as the Indians failed to chase 169 for victory from their allocation of 20 overs in the final at the D.Y. Patil Sports Academy.

Pollard had scalped one wicket for 45 runs from his allotment of four overs, as the Super Kings, choosing to bat on a hard, true pitch, posted 168 for five from their 20 overs.

Suresh Raina hit three fours and three sixes in the top score of 57 not out from 35 balls that earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.

Pollard raised the hopes of the Indians with his cameo, after the home team slumped to 114 for six in the 17th over.

Top-edged four

His first scoring stroke was a top-edged four over the head of the keeper off Doug Bollinger, whose figures he spoiled with a six over long-on, a four to third man, and a six over deep mid-wicket in the same over, which cost the big Australian left-arm fast bowler 22.

Pollard's task, however, was ginormous, and he was outfoxed when Albie Morkel forced him drive low to Matthew Hayden, specially placed at straight mid-off, in the penultimate over.

The Indians actually got moving, when batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, later named Man-of-the-Series, and Abhishek Nayar, added 66 for the second wicket.

Tendulkar, still nursing an injured hand, batted circumspectly for 48 from 45 balls before he was caught at long-off off Shikhar Jakati in the 15th over, to leave Mumbai needing 69 from the remaining 34 balls.