|| AFP ||

Nathan Coulter-Nile led an inspired pace attack to help holders Mumbai Indians hammer Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets on Tuesday and keep their playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League.

Coulter-Nile (4-14), James Neesham (3-12) and Jasprit Bumrah (2-14) claimed nine wickets between them to limit Royals, who are all but out of the IPL title race, to 90-9 in Sharjah.

Opener Ishan Kishan hit an unbeaten 50 as Mumbai romped home in 8.2 overs to jump from seventh to fifth spot behind Kolkata Knight Riders as they fight for the final playoff place. 

"We had to come here and do what we had to do. The two points were very crucial for us," said Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma. 

"Once we had them bowled out for 90, we had a chance to finish it early and improve our run rate."

Delhi Capitals, M.S. Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings and the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore have already booked their place in the last four.

With their backs to the wall, Mumbai came all guns blazing after electing to field first as Coulter-Nile, Neesham and Bumrah removed Royals' top three batters.