IPL 2017 Final: Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiants - A Thrilling Nail-Biter
In a nail-biting climax to the IPL 2017 season, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over the Rising Pune Supergiants by just a solitary run in the final held on May 22, 2017, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. This clash turned out to be a real test of nerves, showcasing the intense spirit of T20 cricket.
Match Summary
- Mumbai Indians: 129 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs
- Rising Pune Supergiants: 128 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs
- Result: Mumbai Indians won by 1 run
Mumbai Indians Innings
The Mumbai Indians batted first and could only muster a total of 129 runs, which was below par. The innings was fraught with moments of brilliance alongside frustrating performances.
- Krunal Pandya was the standout batsman, scoring a crucial 47 runs off 64 balls. His effort included three fours and two sixes, helping stabilize the innings at a time when wickets were falling cheaply.
- Other notable contributions came from Rohit Sharma (24 off 36), and Ambati Rayudu (12 off 25), but overall, it was a tough outing against an aggressive Pune bowling attack, especially against Jaydev Unadkat, who took 2 wickets for just 19 runs.
Rising Pune Supergiants Innings
Chasing 130 runs, the Rising Pune Supergiants began on a promising note, with Steven Smith contributing a valiant effort of 51 runs from 93 balls. He was joined by Ajinkya Rahane, who added 44 runs off 53 balls, both stabilizing the innings after Pune lost its early batsmen.
However, the chase turned tense as the Mumbai bowlers clawed back into the game. In a dramatic finish, Pune fell short by just one run, finishing their innings at 128. Despite a brave effort, the lack of substantial partnerships in the middle order proved pivotal in the outcome of this tightly contested final.
Key Bowling Performances
The Mumbai Indians' bowling unit exhibited resilience.
- Mitchell Johnson emerged as the hero with the ball, scalping 3 wickets for just 26 runs in his 4 overs, while Jasprit Bumrah and Krunal Pandya played crucial roles by keeping things tight and restricting runs.
- The overall strategy and execution from Mumbai's bowlers showcased their depth and experience, ultimately leading them to lift the IPL trophy for the third time.
Conclusion
The IPL 2017 final was not just a battle for the title but also a testament to the unpredictability and thrill that T20 cricket delivers. Mumbai Indians, with their strategic prowess and nerve-wracking resilience, sealed the deal in a match that will be remembered for its edge-of-the-seat excitement and drama right till the last ball.