IPL 2017| Qualifier 1 Preview: Mumbai Indians Vs. Rising Pune Supergiant
Mumbai Indians take on the Rising Pune Supergiant in the first qualifier of IPL 2017 tonight at the Wankhede Stadium. While the Pune side did the double over Mumbai in the league stages of the tournament, the hosts will bank on their boisterous home support as they look to book a place in the final.
Having lost both their league games against Rising Pune Supergiant earlier in the tournament, Mumbai Indians will be thirsting for revenge when they take on their local rivals in the first qualifier tonight.
Head to head:
Pune lead 3-1.
Last meeting:
Chasing a gettable target of 161 to win, Mumbai fell short by three runs thanks to some inspired bowling by Jaydev Unadkat (2/40) and Ben Stokes (2/21).
Fan Predictions: As part of the preview, we bring to you fan predictions for the talking points of the game. The predictions are sourced from the newest fantasy game on the block –
Who will win?
© A. Mumbai Indians B. Rising Pune Supergiant
MI have a 75% win record at this venue over the last 4 seasons of the IPL. However, RPS did a League double over them this season & hold a 3-1 H2H advantage over them in the IPL. Both Mumbai and Pune won their previous match against KKR and KXIP respectively.However, RPS would be without their key man Ben Stokes, who flew back to England for their upcoming ODI series against South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy. Mumbai have already been in this situation before and they would definitely fancy their chances, especially playing at home. Hence taking their form, experience and home record into consideration, we predict MI to beat RPS and qualify for the IPL 2017 final.
Fans verdict: The fans are with us on this one, as 62% think MI will win.
Which captain will score more runs?
A. Rohit Sharma B. Steve Smith
In the 4 H2H games, Rohit has scored 153 runs while Smith has scored 146. Also, Smith has 420 runs overall this season to Rohit's 282 but, Rohit outscored Smith 57 to 17 in their most recent meeting. However, Smith scored a match winning 84* when the two teams met at Pune this season. Undoubtedly, both players would be eager to lead their team from the front. Thus taking their recent form and conditions into consideration, we predict Steve Smith to outscore Rohit Sharma in today's crucial encounter.
Fans verdict: The fans are with us on this one, as 61% think Smith will win this contest.
Predicted XI:
Mumbai Indians: Though Hardik Pandya had an injury scare in the
Parthiv Patel (wk), Lendl Simmons, Rohit Sharma (c), Ambati Rayudu, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga
Rising Pune Supergiant: The loss of all-rounder Ben Stokes to national duty is the most notable absence for the away side and Pune will need to collectively step up in order to make amends.
Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith (c), Manoj Tiwary, MS Dhoni (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa.
Key Players:
Lendl Simmons (MI)- With two fifties in his last three games, the West Indian has made a telling impact ever since his arrival. However, he will have to deliver with the bat once again, tonight and get Mumbai off to a flyer if they want to dominate proceedings in the first qualifier.
Steve Smith (RPS)- Though the RPS skipper has led from the front while batting as well as on the field, he will have to take up additional responsibility in tonight’s game in the absence of Ben Stokes.
Pre-match chatter:
“We were searching a bit in the first we games. We had new players coming in, we have a good balance now. Really good to finish second and have
Time: 8 PM
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
TV Listings: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Set Max, Sony ESPN
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