A half-century by Herschelle Gibbs and Pragyan Ojha’s three wickets helped Indian Premier League (IPL) leaders Deccan Chargers record a 12-run win over the Mumbai Indians on Saturday.
Gibbs struck 58 off 44 balls as the Chargers posted 168 for nine before left-arm spinner Ojha claimed three for 21 to restrict Mumbai to 156 for seven in Durban.
It was the third victory in three matches for Deccan, who are now two points clear at the top of the table.
The Chargers were pegged back by Dwayne Bravo and Lasith Malinga who took three wickets apiece.
Despite losing a wicket in the second over of the reply, Mumbai’s run-chase began well with Sachin Tendulkar and JP Duminy putting on 82 for the second wicket off 60 balls.
Ojha then accounted for both batsmen, Tendulkar for 39 and Duminy for 47 as Mumbai fell behind the run-rate.
The Indians began the 18th over needing 26 to win off 12 balls but wickets from left-arm seamer RP Singh and fast bowler Fidel Edwards ended their hopes.
