Rutherford’s stunning half-century in vain as Mumbai fall to RCB

MUMBAI– Sherfane Rutherford hit an electrifying, unbeaten half-century but it was not enough to prevent the Mumbai Indians from going down by 18 runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) when action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continued on Sunday.

The West Indies middle-order batsman finished on 71 not out off just 31 balls, bludgeoning nine sixes and one four, as Mumbai, in pursuit of RCB’s 240 for four, got up to 222 for five in their 20 overs at the Wankhede Stadium.

The diminutive left-hander arrived at the crease with his side 121 for three in the 12th over, with a required run rate of over 15.

He started slowly, scoring just 19 runs from his first 12 balls, and survived a chance when he was caught and bowled by West Indies teammate Romario Shepherd off a no-ball.

But with 75 runs required from the last three overs, Rutherford smashed Jacob Duffy for three sixes in the 18th over that yielded 21 runs and with the contest already decided, he clobbered Shepherd for four sixes in the final over of the match, the first of which brought up his 50 off 26 balls.

Earlier, Player-of-the-Match Phil Salt thumped 78 off 36 balls, captain Rajat Patidar scored 53 off 20 balls and Virat Kohli made 50 off 38 to lead RCB to a competitive total after they were sent in to bat.

CMC