Shane Warne was full of praise for his Rajasthan Royals team tonight after they clinched a two-run victory over Mumbai.

Munaf Patel was one of the outstanding players for the defending champions, claiming two for 22 and bowling a miserly final over of the match in which just a single run was conceded and three wickets fell - two being run-outs.

Chasing a target of 146, Harbhajan Singh and Abhishek Nayar had taken their side to 140 for six with eight balls still to go.

But the dismissal of Nayar in the penultimate over set up a frantic finish.

Rajasthan's innings had been built around Australian opener Rob Quiney's half-century, and Warne was hugely impressed by the overall effort.

"The way the game ended just showed the spirit of this group," said Warne.

"Last year we probably had four or five last-over jobs - the same issues as this - so I'm really, really proud of the guys, the way they hung in."

Edgy

Mumbai had looked well out of the game before Nayar (35) and captain Sachin Tendulkar (40) combined for a 27-run stand in just 2.2 overs.

Warne, who removed his opposite number Tendulkar, conceded that his fears of defeat grew with the veteran India star at the crease.

He continued: "When the master (Tendulkar) was whacking them around, I was getting a little bit edgy. At any stage to get him out is handy.

"But at that stage, there were just a few tight overs and it was crucial. I'm just really proud of our group. Then to our credit, Munaf Patel there at the end, I thought was sensational."

The win moved Rajasthan into third place and in a strong position to qualify for the play-offs.

Rajasthan pip Mumbai in a thriller

Warne, who was named man-of-the-match for his three for 24 and the way he led his team, added: "It was a big game for both teams, and we just wanted to put in a good performance and play well.

"So a great team effort from everyone. The Mumbai Indians played well, but we hung in there and never gave up. There is a great spirit in our group."

Mumbai captain Tendulkar felt panic got the better of his side at a crucial stage of the game.

He said: "I just felt that towards the end there was a little bit of panic and that is what has cost us the game. But otherwise we were well in the game and fell just short.

"We've been pushed badly into a corner now and there's no escape. We lost out in a similar manner last year, and we have to try to win everything we can from here."