Mumbai Indians could only post 129 for 8 after winning the toss and electing to bat as Pune bowlers ran-through the batting order. At one stage, Mumbai were 79 for 7 but Krunal Pandya’s half-century propelled them to the total. Pune were in control of the chase with Smith holding on to one end. But, Mumbai bowlers stopped the run-flow. In the final over, Pune needed 11 runs but Johnson gave only 10 and picked up two wickets to help Mumbai win their third IPL title.
Mumbai who have put up a fine performance to make it to the finals have not beaten RPS this year and they will be certainly fighting for theIR third title. RPS in only its second season have reached finals, thanks to some fine allround performance. They may not be having the same depth in bowling like Mumbai Indians, but their bowlers have maintained very good discipline. Despite missing their star player Ben Stokes and their successful bowler Imran Tahir in the qualifier one, they played superb game of cricket and they must be quite eager to win their first title in what should be their last chance as franchise.
It all depends on Steve Smith handles the pressure, though he has Mahendra Sigh Dhoni to guide and support him. But he has really lived upto the expectations of all as captain, using his vast experience. The top order should click for them today. Luckily Rahane has come back to his real form as he played a gem of an innings. They will be relying on Tripathi too for some fireworks in the initial stages so that there will not be much pressure on Dhoni and Tiwary when they come on to bat. In bowling Washington Sundar has been pretty effective for them in spin and it will be a big challenge for him when he bowls to players like Rohit Sharma, Simmions and Pollard. RPS will also be hoping Unadkat to bowl a fantastic spell. He has a good record in Hyderabad too as he picked five wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a league match.
Mumbai has wonderful strength in bowling with Malinga, Bumrah and Karn Sharma being in superb form. We have to wait and see whether they will play Harbhajan today. They can not go for any experiments to drop one of Pandya brothers who have done a fantastic job.
Mahavadi Sudeer -DD Commentator
