Confident Mumbai to take on resurgent Pune

Mumbai, April 23: A confident Mumbai Indians, who won six consecutive games in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are all set to take on resurgent Rising Pune Supergiant at the Wankhede Stadium here on Monday.

Mumbai Indians, who defeated Delhi Daredevils by 14 runs in the cash-rich tourment on Saturday, will be aiming for their seventh straight win — now against Rising Pune Supergiant, who defeated Mumbai in their campaign opener of the league on April 6.

The batting and bowling department clicked well in every game since then, and thus the table-toppers will be in positive state of mind.

Bowlers have been consistent with a bunch of experienced players in their line-up.

On the other hand, Australian Steven Smith-led Pune, who defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in their last encounter, will be fresh and would be raring to for another victory.

Pune team, which has won three matches from six games, will be positive as former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni showed the signs to returning in form. The Ranchi stumper smashed an unbeaten 61 off 34 balls to steer the side home in the last over.

To overcome a strong team like Mumbai, Pune will have to put up a strong show with both the bat and the ball. The visitors will be expecting skipper Steve Smith, Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, Manoj Tiwary and Ben Stokes to fire in order to post a good total.

Pune’s bowling, always the weak link, must be confident after a much needed victory against Hyderabad. In this crucial tie, a lot will depend on how veteran South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir performs. IANS