Jayasuriya helps Mumbai finish on a high

A half-century from Sanath Jayasuriya helped Mumbai Indians finish their failed Indian Premier League campaign with a nine-wicket victory over Bangalore Royal Challengers on Wednesday.

Sachin Tendulkar's side exacted revenge for the loss his team suffered when Mumbai had hosted the Royal Challengers, but the win was inconsequential as they had no chance of advancing to the semi-finals.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Tendulkar put on 96 runs for the opening stand as the Mumbai Indians made light of a target of 123.

Veteran Sri Lankan opener Jayasuriya, recently recalled by his country for the upcoming Asia Cup, hammered four fours and the same number of sixes in his 37-ball knock.

Jayasuriya clobbered four sixes and four fours in a typically belligerent batting display as Rahul Dravid's decision to again open the bowling with Anil Kumble backfired. Kumble conceded nine runs in his first over and was quickly removed from the attack.

Kumble was at the receiving end as Jayasuriya completed his half century when he swung the leg-spinner for six over deep midwicket. Jayasuriya finally fell for 54 when he miscued a short-arm jab off Dale Steyn to B Akhil at cover.

Tendulkar kept the other end secure with a display of controlled aggression. He struck four fours and a six in an unfinished knock of 40, ensuring victory when he swept Kumble for a couple of boundaries.

Bangalore Royal Challengers had earlier failed to make good on a modest start. Dilhara Fernando had wrecked the Royal Challengers' top order with a three-wicket haul in his first two overs.

The Sri Lankan paceman vindicated skipper Tendulkar's decision to field first in a game reduced to 18 overs due to rain, removing openers Mark Boucher (18) and S Goswami (20) in quick time.

He then had the dangerous Misbah-ul-Haq dismissed for nought before returning in the final overs to claim the wicket of Vinay Kumar and finish with figures of four for 18 from four overs.

Dwayne Smith ensured wickets fell at regular intervals as the Royal Challengers stuttered and stumbled under the pressure of losing early wickets. Smith finished with three for 26 from four overs.