The RPS squad is filled with superstars who are capable of winning the match on their own
So this is it, IPL 2017 is coming to an end, and the final two teams standing tall after a exciting journey are Mumbai Indians, who were very consistent throughout the league phase but then had to play both the qualifiers in order to make the finals, and Rising Pune Supergiant, who made it through to the playoffs in unlikely circumstances on the back of a late surge in the league stage but then scored a comfortable win in the qualifier 1 to make it to the finals.
In the previous editions of the ‘Maharashtra Derby’, it is the Rising Pune Supergiant who came up trumps against Mumbai Indians. In total they have faced each other on three occasions and it is RPS who have had the upper hand. Can Mumbai break this question on everybody’s lips going into the finals of IPL 10 on Sunday?
Three points which can make a difference in today game as it happened in play-offs:
- Rising Pune Supergiant have defeated Mumbai thrice in three matches in league stage
- Mumbai’s batting struggled and stuttered in both their playoff matches
- MS Dhoni appears to have regained his confidence and RPS appears to be peaking just at the right time
RISING PUNE SUPERGIANT:
Rising Pune Supergiant has had an exceptional turnaround in the tournament. At one time, they had played eight games and with wins in half of those, were in a tricky spot; but then they strung together a fantastic four-game winning streak, and were able to make the playoffs with a win against Punjab in their last league game.
Then in the Qualifier 1, they defeated Mumbai comfortably to become the first finalists of this season, which had looked like a distant dream at one point during their campaign.
Pune had started their campaign with an emphatic win over Mumbai Indians. However, MS Dhoni took Pune home in a nail biter.
Strength:
A strong batting unit with some world class batsman like Steve Smith and Mahender Singh Dhoni is their biggest plus point. The RPS squad is filled with superstars who are capable of winning the match on their own. These players have done it all at the international level for a very long time now and also in the league in the past.
For RPS, the focus will be on their batting line-up — Rahane, Dhoni, Smith and Manoj Tiwary. Their bowling can be equally destructive, with Unadkat and Thakur opening the attack, followed by Zampa’s match turning spells. Dhoni versus Bumrah will be a clash which fans will be eagerly waiting for. Interestingly, if RPS win on Sunday, then it will be MS Dhoni’s third IPL title- something that no player has ever achieved.
MUMBAI INDIANS:
Mumbai lost to Pune in the qualifier 1, but then absolutely thrashed Kolkata in the Qualifier 2 to enter the final of IPL 2017. However, prior to losing the Qualifier 1, they had lost a total of only four games in the entire league stage and had finished as the top ranked team in the league.
IPL Final, RPS Vs MI: Who Will Win Today’s Match Between Mumbai Indians And Rising Pune Supergiant
Mumbai’s batting has been very good throughout, with Pollard, Parthiv Patel, Jos Butler, Rohit Sharma, Simmons and Pandya brothers playing important roles at different times in different games. Such a strong batting unit, along with a dependable bowling line up, makes Mumbai a very strong unit on paper and with their sights now set at the IPL title; they will definitely pose a very stringent challenge for Pune.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Strength
Mumbai have a strong squad which is full of experience and also comprises of youngsters. Together they form a much-desired blend of youth and experience and have the drive to win and take the team towards the title. The youngsters would be bolstered by the presence of experienced heads in the form of Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Lasith Malinga. Noticeably, all have them have won two IPL crowns and that will come in handy for MI.
Meanwhile, the power hitters in Mumbai’s batting unit comprising of Kieron Pollard, Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler have kept Mumbai’s batting unit powerful as usual as they hold the ability to single-handedly win matches.
The bowling too has come good with a lethal combination of Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. Karn Sharma has played his role superbly.
For Mumbai, it would Rohit, Pollard and Bumrah who can come up with some decent performances to help their side register a historic third IPL title.
OUR PREDICTION:
Mumbai and Pune have already faced each other three times in this season and all the three games were won by the Supergiant, two in the league stage and then in the Qualifier 1. This match is being held in Hyderabad, and so none of the teams will have any home advantage. Both these teams have had great seasons, and both would give their all to pick up the ultimate prize. But Pune has the confidence of having beaten Mumbai thrice already, last time in the Qualifier 1 itself.
Winner: Rising Pune Supergiant
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