Having been set a target of 190 by Rajasthan at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai were tasked with reaching that total in 14.3 overs to leapfrog the Royals on net run rate and secure fourth place in the table.
The hosts looked to have fallen agonisingly short when, following some extraordinary hitting, they had 189 on the board after 87 deliveries.
However, following a period of confusion, it became clear that a boundary from the next ball would be enough to sufficiently improve Mumbai’s net run rate.
Aditya Tare, new to the crease after Ambati Rayudu had been run out, promptly launched James Faulkner for six over square-leg to spark frenzied celebrations and leave the Royals stunned.
While Tare struck the winning blow, it was Corey Anderson who did most to lead Mumbai to an improbable triumph, striking 95 not out from just 44 deliveries.
Rayudu also played a key role, contributing 30 off 10 balls during a sensational fifth-wicket stand of 81 as Rajasthan imploded.
Anderson’s powerful innings featured nine fours and six sixes, helping Mumbai into a position where they appeared to need two off the 87th delivery of the innings to ensure progress.
That did not materialise as Rayudu was run out chasing an unlikely second run.
However, clarification was then sought amid confusion in the middle, with the Royals posting a message on their official Twitter account that began ‘Not quite sure what the equation is.’
It was soon confirmed that Mumbai needed a boundary to qualify and Tare came up with the goods, smashing a full toss from Faulkner (0-54 from 3.4 overs) over the boundary rope.
Sanju Samson and Karun Nair had earlier contributed 74 and 50 respectively to Rajasthan’s total of 189-4.
However, their efforts were soon overshadowed as Anderson, who recorded the fastest century in ODI cricket for New Zealand in January, and Rayudu set the stage for Tare to complete an incredible win.
Mumbai will now face Chennai Super Kings in an eliminator on Wednesday, with the winner facing the loser of Tuesday’s match between Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders.
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