Mumbai exacted revenge against Rising Pune Supergiants in the final match of the IPL 2017, defeating them by just one run. Mumbai Indians have won the title for the third time, the only team to do so in the history of the tournament.
Mumbai and Pune had a bitter rivalry this season, with Pune beating Mumbai thrice in this season. While Pune had managed to restrict Mumbai to only 129 runs, it was Mumbai’s intent to win that saw them through.
1) Krunal Pandya's all-round performance
The 26-year-old all-rounder came into the match when most of the top order batsmen Parthiv Patel, Lendl Simmons and Ambati Rayudu were sent back, and Mumbai were 43 with three wickets down. Krunal hit a level-headed 47 of 38 balls to keep Mumbai in the game.
Krunal also bowled the first over and was able to bowl economically giving away only 31 runs without taking any wickets.
2) Breaking the Rahane-Smith partnership
Ajinkya Rahane seemed unstoppable. And with a target as low as 130, the partnership between Rahane and skipper Steve Smith caused sent jitters in the Mumbai camp. However, Mitchell Johnson managed to take Rahane’s wicket in the 12th over, thus breaking the 544 run partnership between Rahane and Smith.
3) Dhoni’s wicket
Mahendra Singh Dhoni came onto the field when Rahane and Smith had already set the stage for a smooth victory for Pune. The former Indian captain had to do a job that he does best, finish the match in Pune’s favour. However, he was sent packing by Bumrah in the 17th over, having scored only ten off 13 balls.
4) Bumrah magic
Jaspreet Bumrah is now considered one of the most dependable bowlers in the MI side. Although not very economical he is known to pick wickets at the most crucial moments of a game. And that is exactly what he did last night when he took Dhoni out and finished the match with two wickets giving away 26 runs.
5) Steve Smith’s wicket
The last over turned the game in Mumbai’s favour. Johnson took the dangerous Manoj Tiwary out in his second delivery. But the dangerous Smith was still on the crease. Smith went for a sweep shot for a wide delivery but found Rayudu in the deep end. This was the final nail in the coffin, resulting in Mumbai winning its third IPL title.