Pune storm into IPL final with 20 run victory over Mumbai

Photo: BCCI New Delhi: Rising Pune Supergiant became the first team to enter the IPL season 10 finals by beating table toppers Mumbai Indians by 20 runs in Qualifier 1 in Mumbai. Chasing 163 to win, Mumbai were sent into tumbles by a 17-year-old Washington Sundar. His off spin proved to be difference between the two sides. The youngster accounted for Rohit Sharma (1), Ambati Rayudu (0) and Kieron Polard (7) to snap the wind out of Mumbai’s chase. It all started with a lucky break of Rohit, who was adjudged LBW even after inside edging the ball. Sundar then got Rayudu caught at short-mid wicket for a duck and then induced Pollard to play a false short. Mumbai went from 41 for 1 to 51 to 4. Parthiv Patel fought a lone battle for Mumbai. The wicket-keeper batsman tried his level best and scored 52 off 40 balls. His innings grew insufficient due to lack of support from the other end. Pune produced a collective bowling performance and exploited the slow, sluggish nature of the pitch. Apart from Sundar, Shardul Thakur also picked 2 wickets for 28 runs. Earlier, it was an MS Dhoni special during the latter part of the innings after fighting half-centuries from Ajinkya Rahane and Manoj Tiwary that propelled Pune to 162 for 3. 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.