CLT20: Mumbai Indians can't cross qualifiers hurdle

RAIPUR: Defending champions Mumbai Indians' run in the CLT20 came to an end at the qualifying stage itself after their batting came unstuck for the second time in three matches.
In a must-win situation and against the quality bowling attack of the Northern Knights, the top-order floundered again after being put in to bat.
Their total attained a semblance of respectability thanks to Lasith Manliga and Shreyas Gopal, who pulled off a couple of late cameos to help MI reach 132/8.
It was not a target that would daunt an experienced team like Northern Knights.
With heavy dew playing its part, the Mumbai bowling too was ineffective as the Knights cantered to a six-wicket victory.
Mumbai's defeat paved the way for Lahore Lions to enter the tournament proper, the first team from Pakistan to do so.
Knights, the most impressive of the four teams in the qualifiers, enter Group B with an all-win record and will stay put in Raipur for two main matches before going to Mohali and then to Bangalore to complete their sojourn.
Now there are only three IPL teams - CSK, KKR and KXIP - in the tournament. How much that is going to affect the tournament in terms of eyeballs, only time will tell.
It was not a day Mumbai Indians would want to remember. The first thing that went against them was the toss. It meant their spinners were ineffective as gripping the ball was a problem with all the dew on the outfield.
The Mumbai batsmen were required to compensate by posting a much bigger total. They also required early breakthroughs.
The Mumbai Indians' opening pair of Mike Hussey and Lendl Simmons were the key. But Hussey, in a rush of blood, charged Tim Southee to give mid-on a tame catch. By the halfway stage, Mumbai had lost five wickets for just 46 runs.