Pollard powers Mumbai to 39-run win

Kieron Pollard finally lived up to his bumper signing with a brutal innings that undermined what, for the most part, had been a spirited performance from Delhi's bowlers, and confirmed Mumbai's place in the final four. His 13-ball 45, laced with five sixes, powered Mumbai to a challenging score to which Delhi, despite their power-packed line-up, failed to measure up.

In what proved to be the match-turning event, Gautam Gambhir bestowed medium-pacer Andrew McDonald with the responsibility of bowling the last over of Mumbai's innings. Facing him was Pollard, who had looked adept against pace but lacked conviction against the spin of Sarabjit Ladda, whom he had edged and miscued in his previous over. Mumbai, despite their acceleration, could still have ended with a below-par total but McDonald doled out two full tosses and a short delivery that were dismissed for sixes in an over that fetched 25, taking Mumbai's tally in the last five to 75.

After Delhi's bowlers had bowled with determination, JP Duminy scored three consecutive fours off Mishra, and Pollard mixed craftiness with power, mistiming a ball for six and scooping Ashish Nehra over the ropes behind fine leg. Aiming for the blockhole, Delhi's bowlers often erred, gifting full tosses that were treated aptly by Pollard, and his assault on McDonald more than compensated for Mumbai's travails for much of the innings.