IPL4: Mumbai vs Kochi

Kochi Tuskers Kerala took on favourites Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium on Friday. (AFP Photos)

Sachin Tendulkar's side was put into bat after the toss and the skipper led from the front and showed why his side appeared stronger.

He soon switched gears though and accelerated the scoring by hitting shots all across the stadium.

Despite the wicket of partner Davy Jacobs in the ninth over, Tendulkar kept the pressure up and forced his way past the in-field.

Tendulkar was well supported by Ambati Rayudu who smashed two sixes early on in his innings to announce his arrival at the crease. He hit 56 runs with four massive hits into the crowd and had a 116-run partnership for the second wicket with his skipper.

Tendulkar himself though brought the Mumbai innings to an end on 182 and completed his maiden IPL century. He remained unbeaten on 100 of 66 balls with twelve boundaries and three sixes.

There was another splendid innings at hand as Brendon McCullum led the Kochi chase and unleashed terror on the bowlers. He combined aggressive shots with unorthodox strokes, to good effect.

Kochi skipper Mahela Jayawardena partnered McCullum well and the duo combined to put on 128 for the opening wicket.

The Mumbai camp seemed to not have the slightest clue on how to stem the flow of runs as Tendulkar could be seen discussing strategies with each other during the breaks.

Though Jayawardene was sent back by Malinga while on 56 and McCullum followed after a few more lusty shots, Brad Hodge (11) and Ravindra Jadeja (25) ensured that the good work of the openers did not go in vain. Jadeja hit two sixes to seal the match in his sides favour and cause a rather unexpected upset.

Kochi won the match with 8 wickets and an entire over to spare. This was their first victory in the Indian Premier League while the defeat for Mumbai Indians was its first in this edition.