New Delhi: Twin half-centuries by Ajinkya Rahane and Manoj Tiwary enabled Rising Pune Supergiant to put on a respectable 162 for 3 against Mumbai Indians in the all important first qualifier in Mumbai.
It was an MS Dhoni special during the latter part of the innings. The former India captain slammed as many 4 sixes in last two overs of the innings to provide a much-needed lift to the innings. He remained unbeaten on 40 off just 26 balls.
Sent in to bat first, Pune were jolted early by McClenaghan. The Kiwi left-arm pacer got through in-form Rahul Tripahti’s defenses in the very first over. Soon after, Malinga from the other end gave a body blow to Pune by removing Steve Smith for 1.
Manoj Tiwari joined Rahane with the visitors reeling at 9 for 2 in the second over. The Indian duo then did the repair works. Rahane, who had an off season until now, registered his second half-century of the season. But he was dismissed soon after reaching the milestone.
Karn Sharma broke the threatening partnership by trapping Rahane (56) with a wonderfully disguised googly.
All the while Mumbai bowlers had the run rate under control. The slowness of pitch was utilized to perfection by Mumbai spinners. Krunal Pandya’s left-arm spin had even the MS Dhoni under fix.
It was only in the penultimate over of the innings that Pune got some momentum. Manoj Tiwary slammed a boundary and a six and Dhoni followed it up with a couple of huge sixes to take 26 runs off McClenaghan.
Manoj Tiwary has been a silent performer for Pune this season. He did a terrific job down the order, finishing off the innings and the moment he was sent in at No. 4, he grabbed it with both hands.
The Bengal captain notched up 58 with 2 sixes and 4 fours.
However, it was Dhoni who showed why he is regarded as one of the greats of the game. After taking apart McClenaghan in the 19th over, Dhoni was severe on Jasprit Bumrah also. Pune scored 41 runs in the last 2 overs and posted a challenging total in a slow pitch.
Rohit Sharma’s decision not to bowl out Malinga (1/14) proved to be costly.