MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians openers Aiden Blizzard and Sachin Tendulkar smashed 81 runs off 7.5 overs to set up a tense four-wicket win over the Kolkata Knight Riders who were eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday.
Mumbai lost wickets in a heap after the early blitz but chased down the 148-run target with four deliveries to spare to set up a clash with the Royal Challengers Bangalore for a place in the final.
New Zealand's James Franklin remained unbeaten on 29 as Harbhajan Singh brought up the victory with a six over mid-wicket.
Australian Blizzard (30-ball 51) hit seven boundaries and two sixes and dominated the opening stand with Tendulkar (36) after the Mumbai bowlers, led by Munaf Patel's three for 27, restricted Kolkata to 147 for seven.
Kolkata lost four wickets for just 20 runs inside the sixth over after Tendulkar opted to field first at the Wankhede Stadium.
Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate (49-ball 70) stemmed the fall of wickets with a 60-run stand with Yusuf Pathan for the fifth wicket and hit some timely blows in the closing overs.
The winner of the match between Bangalore and Mumbai will play holders Chennai Super Kings in the final on Saturday.
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