Preview IPL Match 2 Rising Pune Supergiant vs Mumbai Indians

Steve Smith’s Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) will take on the mighty Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first game of IPL 2017 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday. RPS finished seventh in the IPL 2016 points table and they would want to get over their horrific start to their IPL campaign and come up with a better all-round performance in this current season.

 

Click here for the TV listing and timing for RPS vs MI. 

 

There is no doubt that Steve Smith’s side has a formidable batting lineup. But their bowling department could hurt them in the long run. As they do not have much experience in their ranks when it comes to bowling, Smith will have to bank on bowlers like Ashok Dinda, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma and Rajat Bhatia.

 

Click here for the complete schedule of IPL 2017.

 

However, Adam Zampa, who was the highest wicket-taker for RPS in IPL 2016, could save the day for Smith as he has been very effective in the shortest format of the game.  Smith also has the option of using Imran Tahir, who is currently world’s no.1 T20 bowler. RPS does not have many issues with their batting as they are spoilt for choices.

 

Click here for the full squads of all 8 teams in IPL 2017. 

 

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, will want to make a promising start to the tournament. Mumbai Indians are known for their horrific starts to their IPL campaigns and then turning things around in the later stage. But Rohit would want his side to pull the trigger right from the word go.

 

RPS holds a poor record at their home ground and Mumbai Indians will look to capitalise on that. However, it is not going to be easy for either of the sides. We are in for an entertaining game of T20 cricket on Thursday.

 

Head-to-Head:

 

2 matches – Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune supergiant have won one match each.  

 

IPL 2016: Mumbai Indians -- 1 Rising Pune Supergiant -- 1.