Why Mumbai lost the plot?

Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar

As the Indian Premier League gears up for the semifinal stage the last few matches have been intense with three teams fighting for two semifianl spots. Here's what worked in favour of Delhi and Chennai - and why Mumbai got the boot.

Chennai beat Hyderabad by 7 wickets in a do-or-die match, and reached the semi-finals with a victory in the last league encounter. It was a now or never for Chennai; They had no option but to beat the Deccan Chargers in their last group game to proceed to the last four, and it was mission accomplished for MS Dhoni's boys. They succesfully chased down Hyderabad's paltry 147 after Adam Gilchrist won the toss and elected to bat - but more importantly, they are through to the semi-final nudging out Mumbai.

With this win over Deccan Chargers, Chennai are on 16 points and get back their third slot on the points tally. ...Delhi are fourth on 15 points while Mumbai, which was in the reckoning for a semi-final slot is now out of contention. Mumbai, however, has a match in hand but the maximum it can garner is 14 points - which leaves it behind Chennai and Delhi.

Chennai's win also ended the suspense over the semi-finalists as it completed the last four line-up. Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab had already sealed their place with convincing results. Delhi managed to sneak in and ensure its place as Viru's side kept its nerve while Chennai and Mumbai failed to win their matches at crucial junctures.

Meanwhile, for Mumbai it was complete disappointment - after four consecutive losses, they bounced back with 6 consecutive wins, but choked when it mattered the most. And Sachin Tendulkar's side won't be pleased to be in a situation where they can also end up no better than 6th on the points tally. At least a win in the last match against Royal Challengers will salvage some pride for them.

Rajasthan Royals face Kings XI Punjab tomorrow

Mohali (PTI): Having already ensured semifinal berths, Indian Premier League's table topper teams - Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab - would face each other to gain psychological advantage in their last league match at PCA stadium here on Wednesday.
Although the outcome of the match is inconsequential, the teams would be locked in a keen tussle as they would like to go with their morale up in the semi-finals.
Besides, the Kings XI Punjab, who had lost to Shane Warne's young team in their previous meeting, would be rather eagar to settle scores.
But the Rajasthan Royals are in terrific form leading the points table having won 11 of their 13 matches, and their latest last-ball win against Mumbai Indians should act as a further morale booster for the Royals.
The Punjab team, too, has been in good form, winning 9 of their 13 matches, and came back strongly after losing first two games initially.
However, the defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders who registered an incredible win after it looked improbable at one stage in the previous match should give Punjab reason to work over weak areas.
One weak area has been pointed out by skipper Yuvraj earlier, who believes there is scope to further improve in the fielding department.
On the other hand Warne led team showed just yesterday in a match against Mumbai Indians at Jaipur that they would like to maintain winning momentum.