Simmons half-century fires Mumbai to third straight win

MOHALI, India (CMC) – West Indies opener Lendl Simmons stroked a handsome half-century to underline Mumbai Indians’ revival as they won their third straight game with a 23-run victory over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League here yesterday.Opting to bat first at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mumbai chalked up 172 for three off their 20 overs, behind the right-handed Simmons’ top score of 71 off 56 balls.
In reply, Kings XI never really got going despite David Miller’s 43 off 37 balls and opener Murali Vijay’s 39 off 34 deliveries.
Despite the victory, Mumbai lie one from the bottom of the IPL standings on eight points. They lost their first five games but have seen their form turn around in recent outings.
Simmons ensured the upward swing continued when he put on 111 for the first wicket with Parthiv Patel who struck 59 off 36 deliveries.
While Simmons struck nine fours and a six, Parthiv counted five fours and three sixes, as the pair busied themselves in a productive stand that required just 74 balls.
Parthiv fell first in the 13th over but Simmons held the innings together, adding a further 33 for the second wicket with captain Rohit Sharma (26), before falling with three balls left in the innings.
He was caught at square leg by Axar Patel off seamer Anureet Singh, looking for a big shot.