Mumbai Indians are back!! They
might have not done well in the previous two tournaments but this year they are
the top favourites after the crushing victory over Delhi Daredevils.

With Sachin Tendulkar in the form of his life, there is no stopping the Mumbai
Indians!

Aaaalaaa re Aaaalaaa Re! The loudspeakers played at full blast at the Ferozshah
Kotla and perhaps they were signalling Sachin Tendulkar’s entry into the middle
and Mumbai’s cricketing god was in his elements right from the word go.

The maestro his his first ball to the boundary and after
that it was a master class in stroke making as he pierced every possible gap in
the outfield for a breathtaking innings of 62 from 32 deliveries, with 11
boundaries hit to each and every part of the Kotla ground.  it
reminded me of the old radio commentary line- ‘ palak zhapkte hi gendh seema
rekha ke paar ho gayi, aur ye CHAR runs.‘

And when he went back after Mumbai giving a blazing start, Saurabh Tiwary, who
looks like a replica of MS Dhoni in his teenage days, took over the mantle.

He smashed 61 from 37 deliveries, hitting three big sixes, to help Mumbai post
218 for seven in their 20 overs, a total which should win you 99 percent of the
T20 games you play.

Delhi Daredevils were dealt a big blow even before they started when captain
Gautam Gambhir didnt come out to bat after picking up an injury while fielding.

Chasing such a huge total, Tillakaratne Dilshan was going to be a key player
for Delhi, but he was done in by his own countryman. Lasith Malinga sent down a
slower delivery and Dilshan was through his shot even before the ball reached
him and he was bowled for 17.

Delhi’s chances of overhauling the target finished when Virender Sehwag hit one
straight to the fielder on the long-off boundary for 26.

From then on, it was a procession of Delhi batsmen from the middle to the
pavilion. Dwayne Bravo made an immediate impact as he claimed two wickets,
while Sanath Jayasuriya showed his bowling is still deadly as he also took two,
just like Harbhajan Singh.

Just hoping Mumbai continues playing in this dashing fashion throughout the
tournament. It does not take much for the turn to tide so let’s hope Mumbai
doesn’t get complacent and keeps the winning run going.

Till then Duniya Hila Denge!!!!!!!!!!!!