IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians look to avenge defeat against Rising Pune

Table-toppers Mumbai Indians will be itching to avenge their double defeat against Rising Pune Supergiant in the league stage when the two teams face-off in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Mumbai Indians outplayed the Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league match to secure the top spot. The side will be particularly satisfied that their bench strength clicked against KKR, providing them more options to choose from for the key clash.

There is a lot at stake as the winning team goes straight into the final to be played in Hyderabad on May 21, while the loser gets another chance in the Qualifier 2, to be played on May 19 in Bengaluru.

Their one opener Rahul Tripathi, who has amassed 388 runs in the cash—rich T20 league, will need support from his partner Ajinkya Rahane, who is not scored big this season.

The side however will badly miss Englishman Ben Stokes, the costliest pick of the season, as he returns to national duty. It was something that was acknowledged by captain Steven Smith himself.

Pune, who have come back very strongly in the tourney, will need to get their combinations right. Some or the other player has performed for them this season, but the Stephen Fleming coached side would not like to depend on one single player in Tuesday’s game.