Mumbai : In the most anticipating game, again through the excellent innings of Mahi, Supergiants have won the first qualifier match against Mumbai Indians. Although Indians were consistent throughout the tournament but when it comes to tackle the Supergiants they have failed thrice in the tournament.
On the slow pitch of Wankhede, Pune put forth a challenging score of 162 runs on the board. After winning the toss Mumbai Indians decided to field. Two early wickets of Pune made an opportunity for the Indians but through a wonderful and sensible inning of Rahane and Manoj Tiwary Pune retained the pace on the slow pitch. Later when the wicket of Rahane fell Mahendra Singh Dhoni continued the innings along with Manoj and they both played till last.
In the last two overs with the wonderful hitting of Mahendra Singh Dhoni Pune scored 46 runs in it. Those 46 runs proved to be the game changing runs in the match. In the second Inning when Indians came to bat 163 seemed an achievable score but due to the early wicket fall of Simmons, Rohit and Rayadu, Pune were always dominating throughout the game. One the other side Parthiv Patel stretched the innings of Indians with his half-century and let Mumbai be in the match up to the last. As mentioned earlier the Wankhede pitch was quite slow and due to that the difference in the run-rate increased every over.
Even after some of the spills, Sundar Washington proved to be the miracle boy of the match. He took three crucial wickets and due to which Indians went to the back foot in 13th over only. In 4 overs he gave only 16 runs and took three wickets , which went into his team’s favour and so thus he became the Man of the Match.
Although it is a 20 runs win but through it Pune has become the first finalist of the IPL, 2017. Now the eyes would be on the first eliminator which is to be played tomorrow between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knightriders. Mumbai Indians has one more opportunity to qualify for the finals. As the team which would be winning the first eliminator would have to face Mumbai in the second eliminator. And now Pune has got the time to prepare for the finals and take proper rest so that they could lift the trophies. Lots more anticipation left as who would be the second finalist. Stay tuned watch IPL ….
Tirhut Chronicle 