Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
IPL Final 2017 Preview: Mumbai Indians v Rising Pune Supergiant
Key question: Which will prove to be a bigger factor? Mumbai’s experience in previous IPL finals, or Pune’s excellent record over Mumbai?
After 59 matches, two teams now stand. The 10th IPL Final promises to be a classic. In Rising Pune’s last ever IPL game, they’d be pretty happy playing Mumbai Indians for the IPL trophy. In five matches against the two-time IPL champions, Pune easily have the edge, having won four, including Qualifier 1 just five days ago, by 20 runs.
Both sides contain star-studded line-ups but the pressure of a Final will keep all players on edge. Can Pune’s bowling attack, weaker on paper to Mumbai’s, stand up once again? Can Mumbai’s power players get it right against Pune this time? Questions that set the scene nicely ahead of the Final.
Key stats:
• Mumbai’s power man Keiron Pollard averages 31.50 with a strike rate of 138.46 in IPL10. This drops to 14.33 against Pune this season. Can Pune keep him quiet again?
• Can Mumbai stop MS Dhoni? Against Mumbai in playoff matches, he averages 64.66 at a SR of over 161. Big game player.
• What about Pune stopping Lendl Simmons? The West Indian has struck three successive 50s for Mumbai in playoff/knock-out matches, before IPL10.
• Jasprit Bumrah is considered one of the best death-bowlers in the world. Economy rate of under 7.50 this season is respectable and he is coming off 3/7 off 3 overs just two days ago.
• Ajinkya Rahane has two 50s vs Mumbai and is part of a top four for Pune that includes the dangerous Steven Smith and Manoj Tiwary. Combined, Smith and Tiwary have scored 738 runs at SR: 130.62 and an average touching 37.
• Steve Smith sits 5th in leading run scorers in IPL10. The Australian and Pune captain is one to watch, with 421 runs at an excellent average above 38 and SR 124.92.
• Head-to-head in IPL10: Pune 3, Mumbai 0. Sets the Final up perfectly.
How we see it:
Tough one to choose. Mumbai have the big game experience, previously winning two titles, but Rising Pune Supergiant love playing against Mumbai. Can Mumbai overcome the Pune jinx?
We think they can. Mumbai’s bowling attack is magnificent, and can keep Pune’s strong batting line-up quiet. Mumbai’s power players, namely Rohit Sharma and Keiron Pollard, are eager to really get going vs. Pune. Mumbai will use their big-game experience to grab a tight-win, and celebrate their third IPL title.
