5 moments from Qualifier 1 between MI and RPS that don’t fade away

Rising Pune Supergiant took on the Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier of IPL at the Wankhede stadium with both sides aware that a win will guarantee them a berth in Sunday’s marquee final in Hyderabad.

Although Pune were without the services of Imran Tahir and Ben Stokes, they still managed to beat the favourites of the game by 20 runs and book their berth were without the services of Imran Tahir and Ben Stokes, they still managed to beat the favourites of the game by 20 runs and book their berth for the finals.

After winning the toss, Mumbai chose to field and restricted Pune to a target of 162. But Pune’s bowling department, spearheaded by the young Washington Sundar was magnificent as it bowled out a dangerous looking batting line-up for 149.

Here are 5 memorable moments from the match that don't fade away, quite like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes:

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#1 The MS Dhoni special

MS Dhoni (40 off 26) finished off in style, pummeling Jasprit Bumrah for two huge sixes in the final over to take RPS to 162/4. The former Pune skipper was saving his best for the last and the most crucial moments like he always has. When Dhoni was batting, it looked like Pune were playing at home as the whole of Wankhede was heard cheering for the former Team India captain.

In his cameo, he hit 5 huge sixes out of the park, which was reminiscent of Dhoni at his peak. Mitchell McClenaghan was at the receiving end as the man from Ranchi decided it was time for some quick runs towards the end.

#2 Manoj Tiwary’s consistency

Tiwary played second fiddle until Rahane was at the crease

Tiwary was been one of the most consistent performers for Pune, making generous contributions in all their games so far. Slowly but steadily, Manoj reached his fifty off 45 deliveries in the qualifier. His innings included four boundaries and one six.

The batsman came in to bat when Rising Pune Supergiant were struggling at nine for two. But along with AjinkyaRahane, he stabilised the Pune cruise and sailed them towards safety.

Tiwary played second fiddle until Rahane was at the crease and together the duo stitched an 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Rahane was, then, adjudged leg-before-wicket off Karn Sharma’s bowling. Tiwary went on to score 58 off 48 balls before he was run-out on the final ball of the innings.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane’s confidence

Although that was not a swashbuckling innings, it gave him the much-needed confidence

Rahane struggled to have any substantial influence this season before he could finally contribute a run a ball 34in the previous game against Kings XI Punjab. Although that was not a swashbuckling innings, it gave him the much-needed confidence before the crucial playoffs stage.

After losing two wickets in quick succession in the powerplay, Rahane helping RPS get the momentum back. The strike rate went up the six-run mark. Rahane brought up his second fifty of the season with a single off the final ball of the 12th over. In his 43-ball 56, we saw the left-hander hit 5 fours and a six.

#4 Parthiv Patel’s fighting spirit

In his 40-ball 52, Patel managed to hit the ball for 3 fours and as many sixes

Parthiv Patel smashed his 10th IPL fifty for Mumbai Indians, but he couldn’t carry them over the line and departed for 52 as Mumbai Indians fell short by 20 runs. In his 40-ball 52, Patel managed to hit the ball for 3 fours and as many sixes.

He showed grit and continued batting confidently even when wickets fell like bowling pins at the other end. Parthiv’s innings was the only one worth mentioning in Mumbai’s batting line-up as no other player could score more than 16 runs.

#5 Washington Sundar’s spell

Sundar took 3 very important wickets to completely snatch the momentum from the hosts

The youngster hasn't enjoyed a good time with the bat so far this season, but the has left no doubt in fans’ minds through his skills with the ball. He took 3 very important wickets to completely snatch the momentum from the hosts.

His first victim was Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma. He bowled a straighter one and outfoxed Sharma, who had to depart for just 2 to leave his team at 41/2 in 5.1 overs. In the same over, Sundar struck again! Ambati Rayudu was the victim this time as he pulled a short delivery straight to midwicket where Steve Smith was waiting with open arms.

MI were now 41/3 in 5.4 as Rayudu went back to the dressing room for a duck.

Soon after, he took his third wicket – that of Kieron Pollard. The West Indian looked like the partner Parthiv Patel was looking for before he hit one straight to short midwicket off a fuller delivery from Sundar. He had to walk back on 7 and Mumbai were left licking their wounds at 51/4 as the teenager celebrated his third wicket of the night.