RAIPUR (India): Mumbai Indians recorded an impressive nine-wicket win over Southern Express in the Champions League T20 qualifier to keep their hopes of qualification for the main draw alive here on Sunday night.

Chasing 162, Mumbai openers Lendl Simmons (76 not out off 51 balls) and Michael Hussey (60 off 40) scored half-centuries and built a magnificent stand of 139 to help their team set up a commanding win after losing the first game against the Lahore Lions on Saturday.

Simmons’ innings comprised 11 boundaries and one six while Hussey hit five fours and three maximums.

Southern attack looked ordinary as they were unable to make any impact on the Mumbai batting line-up. Kieron Pollard hit three sixes and remained unbeaten on 20 off seven deliveries to give Mumbai’s net run-rate a much needed boost.

Earlier, Farveez Maharoof’s 22-ball 41 helped Southern Express post a competitive-looking 161-6 in 20 overs.

Published in Dawn, September 16th , 2014