Sundar, Dhoni steer Pune Supergiant to IPL 2017 final

Mumbai [India], May 17 (ANI): Splendid performances from young off-spinner Washington Sundar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped Rising Pune Supergiant beat Mumbai Indians by 20 runs in Qualifier 1 and enter IPL 2017 finals on Tuesday evening at the Wankhede stadium. Chasing a target of 163, the Rohit Sharma-led side could only manage 142/9 in their stipulated quota of 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel was the lone batsman who could stay at the crease and gave the host a glimpse of victory. However, his 52-run knock off 40 balls vent in vain as none of the other Mumbai batsmen stayed long at the crease. 17-year- old Sundar was pick of the bowlers for Supergiant as he picked up three crucial wickets giving away just 16 runs in his four overs. Along with him, right-arm pacer Shardul Thakur also finished with figures of 3-37 and helped his side put the scoring breaks on the hosts. Earlier, some late power hitting from explosive Dhoni helped his side to post a formidable first inning total of 162. Dhoni (40) and Manoj Tiwari (58) accumulated around 40 runs in the last two overs of their innings and earned the much needed momentum to their bowlers. Sundar was rightly adjudged Man of the Match. With the win, Pune Supergiant maintained their cent percent win record against Mumbai Indians in this edition of the IPL. On Wednesday, Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first eliminator and the winner of that match will meet Mumbai Indians in the second eliminator on May 19. (ANI)