The stage is set for the epic encounter of the ultimate Maharashtra Derby as the two neighbors; Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) will collide for the IPL 2017 title match one final time on Sunday in Hyderabad.
IPL 2017 Final Live Score: Rising Pune Supergiant vs Mumbai Indians #IPL
Both teams have already locked horns thrice in the tournament and RPS got better of MI in all three occasions beating them consecutively this IPL season. MI cruised into the IPL final after inflicting an embarrassing defeat on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Qualifier 2 bowling them out for 107 in 20 overs. In reply, MI chased down the total comfortably with six wickets in hand.
Team News for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS)
The good news for RPS is its skipper Steve Smith’s indomitable form. He has already garnered 421 runs in the tournament with an astonishing average of 40. He is expected to play a memorable knock tomorrow before signing off from the tournament. Similarly, Rahul Tripathi, the silent hero of RPS, has also smashed 388 runs in 13 matches, his innings will be crucial to RPS’s batting.
Veteran batsman MS Dhoni has scored 280 runs in 15 games so far. He is a famous finisher and he is likely to be promoted up the order. RPS will miss the presence of its outstanding all-rounder Ben Stokes’s presence in the team at this marquee match. Considering Pune’s strong bowling line up including the likes of Jayadev Unadkat, Washington Sundar and Dan Christian – MI will have to struggle for every run tomorrow.
Interestingly, every time an Aussie skipper led a side at the final, that team won.. The past record corroborates this fact. Shane Warner, Adam Gilchrist and David Warner have all won the IPL title while playing the IPL title match for Rajasthan Royals, Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. Can Steve Smith become fourth-time lucky?
Team News for Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI are likely to retain the same winning combination that helped them win the do-or-die battle at Qualifier 2 against KKR. However, that was a low-scoring match, but IPL final is expected to be a nail-biting one. For Mumbai Indians, everything has fallen under their wish this season except passing the big RPS challenge. Pune are now standing rock solid between Mumbai’s third title at IPL. Can Rohit Sharma write history tomorrow?
Pune have beaten MI consecutively this IPL season but tomorrow will be a fresh match. Irrespective of past records, MI just needs a single win to clinch the IPL trophy 2017. MI’s Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons are in good form up the order followed by Rohit Sharma, Nitish Rana, Pollard and Pandya brothers in the middle order. They will play to win the finale tomorrow.
This is the fourth time MI reaching IPL finale while Pune will play its first IPL finale only. If Pune crosses plus 175-run mark then chase can be difficult for MI. McClenaghan (19-wicket) has been the most successful bowler for MI so far. Bhajji’s off-spin is also doing tricks also restricting batsmen to go over the top against him. Fast bowlers Malinga and Bumrah will be vital at death overs.
Predicted Playing XI (Both Teams)
Mumbai Indians (MI): Lendl Simmons, Parthiv Patel (Wicket Keeper), Rohit Sharma (Captain), Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya,Mitchell McClenaghan, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga.
Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS): Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith (Captain), Manoj Tiwary, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Zampa, Shardul Thakur, MS Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Dan Christian, Washington Sundar and Jaydev Unadkat.
Head to Head: Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) have 4-1 win record against Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians (MI).
Match Result Prediction: Mumbai Indians (MI) will win.
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad. Match will start from 8 PM on SONY ESPN.
Tags: #IPL, Indian Premier League, IPL 10, IPL 2017, Live Score, Maharashtra Derby, MI, Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiant, Rohit Sharma, RPS, Steve Smith, VIVO IPL
