Chennai, Sep 24: Mike Hussey's fluent half-century went in vain as tail-ender Lasith Malinga produced a whirlwind 18-ball 37-run run knock to hand Mumbai Indians a thrilling three wicket win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings in a Champions League Twenty20 match here today.
Coming on to bat at number nine with Mumbai starring a virtual defeat, Malinga used his long handle to great effect hitting three boundaries and as many sixes to single-handedly turn the match in his side's favour.
Chasing 159 for victory, Mumbai at one stage were down and out of the game tottering at 106 for seven in the 16th over.
But Malinga and stand-in skipper Harbhajan Singh stitched 53 runs off just 28 balls for the eight wicket to see Mumbai home with one ball to spare.
For the first 15 overs, Chennai bowlers were bang on target with R Ashwin (2/23), Suresh Raina (2/6) and Dwayne Bravo (2/22) picking up two wickets to make life difficult for Mumbai.
But Malinga's power-hitting not only changed the complexion of the match but also caught the attention of his injured skipper Sachin Tendulkar, who was seen clapping and acknowledging the Sri Lankan's every shot.
Earlier, Hussey continued his good run of form and made 81 off just 57 balls with help of eight fours and three sixes to help Chennai pile up a competitive 158 for four on a relatively slow MA Chidambaram pitch.
Mumbai's run chase started on a good note with openers Davy Jacobs (18 off 15) and Aiden Blizzard (28 off 21) raising 39 runs in quick time.
But Mumbai then lost five wickets in a span of six overs to lose the tempo. PTI
