Lions upset Mumbai in Champions League opener

Johannesburg:

The Champions League Twenty20 tournament got off a thrilling and surprise start Friday with local outfit Highveld Lions of South Africa defeating star-studded Mumbai Indians by nine runs.

Chasing 187 runs for victory, the Indians looked good for a long time with openers Sachin Tenduklar and Shikhar Dhawan scoring briskly but the Lions bowlers finally clicked with Shane Burger capturing two wickets.

After South African President Jacob Zumba tossed the coin, Mumbai correctly called "heads" and Spanish megastar Enrique Iglesias sang the theme song "I like it", the Lions made an impressive 186-5 off 20 overs.

Opener Jonathan Vandiar led the way at one of the most famous world cricket venues with 71 off 48 balls, mixing aggression and patience in a knock that included three sixes and four fours.

It took two household cricket names to terminate his clever stand with Tendulkar catching a half-volley off the bowling of Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga 16.3 overs into the innings.

Neil McKenzie was the other Lion to roar before a near-full crowd in the 30,000-seat stadium, coming in at number five and finishing unbeaten on 56 off 30 balls with seven fours and a six to lift a sagging innings.

Having cruised to 83 without loss, Mumbai surrendered two wickets while adding just six to their total midway through the innings as opener Shikhar Dhawan exited after amassing 32 and Ambati Rayudu was run out for three.

Tendulkar, with 69, finally fell after 14.3 overs as he drifted to the leg side only to be clean bowled as Burger sent the stumps flying amid much relief among his team-mates.

Anil Kumble-skippered Royal Challengers Bangalore of India, South Australia Redbacks led by Cullen Bailey and Ramnaresh Sarwan-captained Guyana from the West Indies complete the group with the top two qualifying for the semi-finals.