IPL 2017| Final Preview: Rising Pune Supergiant Vs. Mumbai Indians

05/21/2017

Rising Pune Supergiant face off against Mumbai Indians in the final of IPL 2017 tonight in Hyderabad to decide who wins the tenth edition of the tournament. While Pune have beaten Mumbai in all three previous encounters this season, Mumbai will be looking to lift the title for the third time.

Having squared up three times already this season, Mumbai and Pune are no strangers to each other. However, Mumbai have lost all three above-mentioned encounters against their local (state) rivals and will be hoping to put one over Pune when it matters the most.

Head to head:

Pune lead 4-1.

Last Meeting:

Riding on half-centuries from Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Manoj Tiwary (58), Pune posted a total of 162 before Washington Sundar (3/16) and Shardul Thakur (3/37) ensured a 20 run win for Pune in the first qualifier at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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 – Nostragamus. If you want to make your predictions and win prizes, click here.

Who will win the IPL 2017 title?

A. RPS B. MI

RPS holds an advantage of 4-1 in 5 Head to Head matches in IPL. However, MI are two-time champions & 2017 table-toppers. But, in IPL 2017, RPS holds a 3-0 advantage over MI. While MI have a solid bowling attack and a brilliant batting line-up, RPS are a bit in the bowling department. Hence we predict MI to win the title this year.

Fans verdict: The fans are not with us on this one, as 59% think RPS will win the title.

Which team will lose more wickets in PP?

A. RPS B. MIIn their last 5 matches each, in PP, RPS had lost average 1.5 wickets whereas MI had lost average 1.75 wickets. However, in 3 H2H matches played in IPL 2017, RPS had lost average 1.5 wickets in PP while MI had lost 2.5. Considering their recent matches played by both teams, we predict MI will lose more wickets than RPS in the Powerplay.

Fans verdict: The fans are with us on this one, as 58% think MI will lose more wickets than RPS in PP

Predicted XI:

Rising Pune Supergiant: Having found a winning combination in the latter half of the league stages of the tournament, one can expect Pune to play the same side that beat Mumbai in the first qualifier on Tuesday.

Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steve Smith (c) Manoj Tiwary, MS Dhoni (wk), Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Lockie Ferguson, Shardul Thakur, Adam Zampa, Jaydev Unadkat.

Mumbai Indians: Mitchell Johnson is expected to fill in for Mitchell McClenaghan as he did in the second qualifier against KKR.

Lendl Simmons, Parthiv Patel (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell Johnson, Karn Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga.

Key Players:

Jaydev Unadkat (RPS)- With 22 wickets from 11 games so far, Unadkat has well and truly been Pune’s bowling spearhead so far this season. And Pune will need him to make some early inroads into Mumbai’s experienced batting lineup.

Karn Sharma (MI)- Karn was instrumental in orchestrating Kolkata’s downfall for a paltry 107 in the second qualifier as he ended with figures of 4/16. Having picked up 13 wickets already this season, the 29-year old will be eager to add to his tally tonight.

Pre-Match Chatter:

"He's one of the more successful players in the last decade. Another opportunity to win the IPL. I know he's up for it. He's been good this year with cameos. He's been criticized but you have to appreciate how he has done it time and time again", RPS Head-Coach, Stephen Fleming

Time: 8 PM

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

TV Listings: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Set Max, Sony ESPN