Sunrisers Hyderabad earn last spot in IPL playoffs

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Sunrisers Hyderabad claimed the last spot in the Indian Premier League playoffs after beating depleted leader the Mumbai Indians by 10 wickets on Tuesday.

Hyderabad qualified third on net run rate. It beat the three other playoff teams in its last three matches. If it had lost, the two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders would have advanced instead.

Mumbai made it easier for Hyderabad by resting striker bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, and allrounder Hardik Pandya, who has had back issues.

Curiously, Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma played for the first time since Oct. 18 when he injured his left hamstring. The injury was given as a reason by the India selectors not to pick the stalwart for the touring party to Australia. India coach Ravi Shastri warned him not to rush back. But after missing four IPL matches, Sharma opened for Mumbai and was out for 4 off seven balls.

Mumbai creaked to 149-8, which Hyderabad overhauled with 17 balls to spare. Captain David Warner was 85 not out from 58 balls and Wriddhiman Saha 58 not out from 45 in 151 without loss.

When the playoffs begin on Thursday, defending champion Mumbai will play the Delhi Capitals. The winner advances to the final. The loser will face Hyderabad or Royal Challengers Bangalore, who meet on Friday. The final is on Tuesday.