Chris Gayle ended his wait to bat in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) in style as he smashed a 22-ball half-century to give Punjab a rollicking start.

Gayle's 63 off 33 balls helped Punjab set 198 runs target after they were put in to bat by Chennai at home in Mohali.

The Jamaican then unleashed himself against the veteran Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh's second over in which he hit him for 11 runs in 3 balls, including a four and a six.

In the last Powerplay over bowled by Chahar, Gayle cut loose after his opening partner KL Rahul gave the West Indian strike with a single off the first ball. The next five balls read 6, 4, 4, 1wd, 6, 0.&nbsp

His innings included seven fours and four sixes.&nbsp

To support Gayle was opener KL Rahul, who fashioned victory by smashing fastest ever IPL fifty.

Rahul played a superb 22 ball 37 run knock to give a decent start to the team. &nbsp&nbsp

Other than the two, the middle and lower order batsmen failed to contribute much.

While Yuvraj was sent back to the pavilion after making just 20 runs, Aaron finch again failed to open his account after being LBW by Tahir.

MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field first against Ashwin-led Punjab.&nbsp

Chennai, on the other hand, have clinched wins from the clutches of their opponents twice now, and they will want to put in a much improved performance.&nbsp

Against Mumbai, Bravo’s end-overs pyrotechnics took them across the line. While against Kolkata, it was Sam Billings who did the rescue job.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Chris Gayle's 63 off 33 balls helped Punjab put 197 runs on board.

Chris Gayle ended his wait to bat in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) in style as he smashed a 22-ball half-century to give Punjab a rollicking start. Gayle's 63 off 33 balls helped Punjab set 198 runs target after they were put in to bat by Chennai at home in Mohali. The Jamaican then unleashed himself against the veteran Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh's second over in which he hit him for 11 runs in 3 balls, including a four and a six. In the last Powerplay over bowled by Chahar, Gayle cut loose after his opening partner KL Rahul gave the West Indian strike with a single off the first ball. The next five balls read 6, 4, 4, 1wd, 6, 0. His innings included seven fours and four sixes. To support Gayle was opener KL Rahul, who fashioned victory by smashing fastest ever IPL fifty. Rahul played a superb 22 ball 37 run knock to give a decent start to the team. Other than the two, the middle and lower order batsmen failed to contribute much. While Yuvraj was sent back to the pavilion after making just 20 runs, Aaron finch again failed to open his account after being LBW by Tahir. MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field first against Ashwin-led Punjab. Chennai, on the other hand, have clinched wins from the clutches of their opponents twice now, and they will want to put in a much improved performance. Against Mumbai, Bravo’s end-overs pyrotechnics took them across the line. While against Kolkata, it was Sam Billings who did the rescue job.

IPL 2018: Punjab set 198-run target after being put in to bat by Chennai

Dwayne Bravo's 68 runs of 30 balls helped Chennai clinch its first match against defending champions Mumbai at the Indian Premier League opener on Saturday.

Bravo took the driver's seat and single-handedly saved tits team from drowning.

The Indies player came when Chennai had almost lost winning hopes as they were 75-5 at one point.

Kedhar Jadhav, who got injured and was sitting out, played the winning shot and scored 24 runs of 22 balls. &nbsp

Mumbai scored 165 runs in the opener match of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League 2018 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Earlier, Chennai won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Batting first, Evin Lewis of Mumbai lost his wicket in the third over without scoring a single run, he became the 58th player in the history of IPL to went on the duck. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 15 runs before losing his wicket to Shane Watson' delivery as ball hit the thick-top edge of his bat and went high to land in the safe hands of Ambati Rayudu.

Ishan Kisan pushed the run rate and found a determined ally in Surya Kumar Yadav, together they scored 83 runs for the team before losing their wickets.

"It feels great to be back home. I started my IPL journey here, excited to be back. I have played with everyone in the domestic circuit, so it's pretty easy to gel with them. It would have been great had I stayed till the end. We need some early wickets, intensity is going to be the key," said Surya Kumar Yadav.

The most crucial knock was played by Krunal Pandya as his 41 runs off 22 balls helped the team to set a decent target. Hardik Pandya also played fiercely and scored 22 important runs. He suffered a muscle stretch on the last ball of the first innings.

Shayne Watson took two wickets of Suryakumar and skipper Rohit Sharma and Imran Tahir saw off Ishan Kisan.

Dwayne Bravo's 68 runs of 30 balls helped Chennai clinch its first match against defending champions Mumbai at the Indian Premier League opener on Saturday. Bravo took the driver's seat and single-handedly saved tits team from drowning. The Indies player came when Chennai had almost lost winning hopes as they were 75-5 at one point. Kedhar Jadhav, who got injured and was sitting out, played the winning shot and scored 24 runs of 22 balls. Mumbai scored 165 runs in the opener match of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League 2018 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Earlier, Chennai won the toss and opted to bowl first. Batting first, Evin Lewis of Mumbai lost his wicket in the third over without scoring a single run, he became the 58th player in the history of IPL to went on the duck. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 15 runs before losing his wicket to Shane Watson' delivery as ball hit the thick-top edge of his bat and went high to land in the safe hands of Ambati Rayudu. Ishan Kisan pushed the run rate and found a determined ally in Surya Kumar Yadav, together they scored 83 runs for the team before losing their wickets. "It feels great to be back home. I started my IPL journey here, excited to be back. I have played with everyone in the domestic circuit, so it's pretty easy to gel with them. It would have been great had I stayed till the end. We need some early wickets, intensity is going to be the key," said Surya Kumar Yadav. The most crucial knock was played by Krunal Pandya as his 41 runs off 22 balls helped the team to set a decent target. Hardik Pandya also played fiercely and scored 22 important runs. He suffered a muscle stretch on the last ball of the first innings. Shayne Watson took two wickets of Suryakumar and skipper Rohit Sharma and Imran Tahir saw off Ishan Kisan.

IPL 2018: Dwayne Bravo's heroics give Chennai its first win against Mumbai

President Ram Nath Kovind awarded the country's third&nbsp;highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan to former Indian Cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Along with Dhoni, multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani also received the Padma Bhushan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Billiards player Pankaj Advani and Cricketer MS Dhoni conferred with Padma Bhushan by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/XgPTHWsxBl">pic.twitter.com/XgPTHWsxBl</a>
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Dhoni attended the award ceremony in his Lieutenant Colonel uniform which was conferred upon him in 2011.

He walked like an army man to collect his award from the President.

The award has been honoured to Dhoni exactly seven years after he lifted the World Cup for Indian Cricket team in 2011.

After Kapil Dev, Dhoni is the only Indian cricketer to receive this award.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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After Kapil Dev, Dhoni is the only Indian cricketer to receive this award.

President Ram Nath Kovind awarded the country's third highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan to former Indian Cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Along with Dhoni, multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani also received the Padma Bhushan. #WATCH Billiards player Pankaj Advani and Cricketer MS Dhoni conferred with Padma Bhushan by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi pic.twitter.com/XgPTHWsxBl — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × Dhoni attended the award ceremony in his Lieutenant Colonel uniform which was conferred upon him in 2011. He walked like an army man to collect his award from the President. The award has been honoured to Dhoni exactly seven years after he lifted the World Cup for Indian Cricket team in 2011. After Kapil Dev, Dhoni is the only Indian cricketer to receive this award.

Watch: 'Armyman' Dhoni honoured with Padma Bhushan

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is making a comeback to his favourite Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after the franchise was banned for two years, got emotional and was almost in tears while speaking on the franchise's return to IPL.

The skipper failed to control his emotions and got choked up and was almost in tears while addressing the audience at an event.&nbsp

Chennai faced a lot of backlashes after it was marred in spot-fixing controversy and was subsequently banned for two years.

“As I said it was, I knew I would play for the Pune team but the actual moment comes when you start walking with the team-sheet in your hand till that point of time its only practice and everything," he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> became very emotional while speaking about 2 years of struggle and come back of <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> !!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePoduArmy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePoduArmy</a> <a href="https://t.co/AWAycP7jrv">pic.twitter.com/AWAycP7jrv</a>
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&nbsp

"It was a very emotional moment…since I have started playing T20 cricket represented the Indian cricket team, Jharkhand team in few tournaments and CSK for eight years, so it was an emotional moment not to see myself in yellow,” Dhoni added.&nbsp

“But at the same time as professionals, we have to move ahead and also not to prove to anyone but to prove a point to myself that I am making sure whatever I gave in for CSK, I am not leaving any inch that I am not giving for the Pune team,” he added.&nbsp

Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK won the title twice in 2010 and 2011 and finished runners-up in four editions.&nbsp

Chennai Super Kings begins its campaign on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium where they will take on the defenders Mumbai Indians.

Chennai faced a lot of backlashes after it was marred in spot-fixing controversy and was subsequently banned for two years.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is making a comeback to his favourite Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after the franchise was banned for two years, got emotional and was almost in tears while speaking on the franchise's return to IPL. The skipper failed to control his emotions and got choked up and was almost in tears while addressing the audience at an event. Chennai faced a lot of backlashes after it was marred in spot-fixing controversy and was subsequently banned for two years. “As I said it was, I knew I would play for the Pune team but the actual moment comes when you start walking with the team-sheet in your hand till that point of time its only practice and everything," he said. #Thala #Dhoni became very emotional while speaking about 2 years of struggle and come back of @ChennaiIPL !!! #WhistlePodu #WhistlePoduArmy pic.twitter.com/AWAycP7jrv — CSK World (@CSK_World) March 29, 2018 × "It was a very emotional moment…since I have started playing T20 cricket represented the Indian cricket team, Jharkhand team in few tournaments and CSK for eight years, so it was an emotional moment not to see myself in yellow,” Dhoni added. “But at the same time as professionals, we have to move ahead and also not to prove to anyone but to prove a point to myself that I am making sure whatever I gave in for CSK, I am not leaving any inch that I am not giving for the Pune team,” he added. Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK won the title twice in 2010 and 2011 and finished runners-up in four editions. Chennai Super Kings begins its campaign on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium where they will take on the defenders Mumbai Indians.

Watch: MS Dhoni 'almost in tears' while speaking on CSK return in IPL 2018

Skipper Virat Kohli along with senior most player Mahendra Singh Dhoni was prominent among the host of players rested for the T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka, starting March 6.

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Opener Rohit Sharma will lead a young Indian side in Twenty20 tri-series.

Kohli missed Saturday&#39;s final Twenty20 against South Africa in Cape Town with a stiff back as India won the three-match series 2-1 which followed their 5-1 triumph in the one-dayers against the Proteas.

Rohit led India during the final T20I against South Africa in Cape Town which his side won, and also captained India in the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka in December, both of which India won.

India have a long season ahead starting with the IPL before the team embarks on a long sojourn of England followed by a tour Down Under in December.

Former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also rested, which allowed Delhi`s Rishabh Pant to join the squad as the second wicketkeeper, along with Dinesh Karthik.

The selectors also decided to leave out the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah and named a largely young 15-member squad for the Nidahas Trophy, which also features Bangladesh, beginning on March 6 in Colombo.

&quot;We`ve kept in mind the workload and upcoming schedule while finalising the team for Nidahas Trophy,&quot; selection committee chairman MSK Prasad said in a statement.

&quot;The high-performance team has suggested that adequate rest should be given to our fast bowlers to help improve athletic performance, maximise rest and prevent injury.&quot;

Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya were also allowed a break following the tour of South Africa.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)

(With inputs from Agencies)

Rohit Sharma will lead India's 15-member squad in the Nidahas Trophy T20I tri-series starting March 6 in Sri Lanka.

Skipper Virat Kohli along with senior most player Mahendra Singh Dhoni was prominent among the host of players rested for the T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka, starting March 6. × Opener Rohit Sharma will lead a young Indian side in Twenty20 tri-series. Kohli missed Saturday's final Twenty20 against South Africa in Cape Town with a stiff back as India won the three-match series 2-1 which followed their 5-1 triumph in the one-dayers against the Proteas. Rohit led India during the final T20I against South Africa in Cape Town which his side won, and also captained India in the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka in December, both of which India won. India have a long season ahead starting with the IPL before the team embarks on a long sojourn of England followed by a tour Down Under in December. Former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also rested, which allowed Delhi`s Rishabh Pant to join the squad as the second wicketkeeper, along with Dinesh Karthik. The selectors also decided to leave out the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah and named a largely young 15-member squad for the Nidahas Trophy, which also features Bangladesh, beginning on March 6 in Colombo. "We`ve kept in mind the workload and upcoming schedule while finalising the team for Nidahas Trophy," selection committee chairman MSK Prasad said in a statement. "The high-performance team has suggested that adequate rest should be given to our fast bowlers to help improve athletic performance, maximise rest and prevent injury." Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya were also allowed a break following the tour of South Africa. India squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper) (With inputs from Agencies)

Nidahas Trophy: Kohli, Dhoni rested as India select young squad for T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli on Friday outweighed former captain MS Dhoni&#39;s record with most runs in Test cricket.

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With 3456 runs as captain, he tops the list of Indian captains scoring&nbsp;runs in Test Cricket.&nbsp;

Virat ranked to the first position after he scored 41 runs in the second innings of the third test between India and South Africa at Wanderers in Johannesburg.&nbsp;

The second position is occupied by MS Dhoni with 3454 runs as captain.&nbsp;

While Dhoni scored the runs in 60 test matches, Kohli just took 35 tests to surpass his score.&nbsp;

Dhoni had earlier beaten former India opener Sunil Gavaskar to reach the first position.&nbsp;Gavaskar has scored 3449 runs.

The fourth and fifth place are occupied by Mohd Azharuddin with 2856 runs and Sourav Ganguly with 2541 runs respectively.&nbsp;

With 3456 runs as captain, he tops the list of Indian captains scoring runs in Test Cricket

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli on Friday outweighed former captain MS Dhoni's record with most runs in Test cricket. × With 3456 runs as captain, he tops the list of Indian captains scoring runs in Test Cricket. Virat ranked to the first position after he scored 41 runs in the second innings of the third test between India and South Africa at Wanderers in Johannesburg. The second position is occupied by MS Dhoni with 3454 runs as captain. While Dhoni scored the runs in 60 test matches, Kohli just took 35 tests to surpass his score. Dhoni had earlier beaten former India opener Sunil Gavaskar to reach the first position. Gavaskar has scored 3449 runs. The fourth and fifth place are occupied by Mohd Azharuddin with 2856 runs and Sourav Ganguly with 2541 runs respectively.

Kohli beats Dhoni's record, emerges as India's highest-scoring Test captain

The 11th season of the much-awaited Indian Premier League will begin on 6th April 2018. &nbsp;

IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla announced the news on Monday evening, saying the opening ceremony of the tournament will take place on April 6 in Mumbai while the first match of the new season will be played at the same venue on April 7.&nbsp;

He further informed that the tournament will continue till May 27 with Mumbai once again hosting the final match.&nbsp;

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IPL 11 to begin on 6th April 2018 with opening ceremony in Mumbai and first match on 7th April in Mumbai,the final on 27th May will also be in Mumbai: IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla <a href="https://t.co/l6qYDpAZLd">pic.twitter.com/l6qYDpAZLd</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955417838864379904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Similiar to the previous edition, a total of eight teams will participate in the cash-rich league.&nbsp;

However, last year&rsquo;s finalists Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions will be replaced by Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, as the two teams were banned for two years due to their involvement in match-fixing.&nbsp;

The IPL 2018 auction will take place in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28 where a total of 578 players will go under the hammer.

A fierce bidding war is expected as Indian stars Gautam Gambhir, off-spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav and openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay will be on the franchises&rsquo; radar.

The list also includes the overseas players, including Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Rashid Khan and Eoin Morgan.&nbsp;

In the 10th season, Mumbai Indians led by Rohit Sharma defeated Pune to lift the IPL trophy for the third time.

A total of eight teams will participate in the cash-rich league

The 11th season of the much-awaited Indian Premier League will begin on 6th April 2018. IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla announced the news on Monday evening, saying the opening ceremony of the tournament will take place on April 6 in Mumbai while the first match of the new season will be played at the same venue on April 7. He further informed that the tournament will continue till May 27 with Mumbai once again hosting the final match. IPL 11 to begin on 6th April 2018 with opening ceremony in Mumbai and first match on 7th April in Mumbai,the final on 27th May will also be in Mumbai: IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla pic.twitter.com/l6qYDpAZLd — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × Similiar to the previous edition, a total of eight teams will participate in the cash-rich league. However, last year’s finalists Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions will be replaced by Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, as the two teams were banned for two years due to their involvement in match-fixing. The IPL 2018 auction will take place in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28 where a total of 578 players will go under the hammer. A fierce bidding war is expected as Indian stars Gautam Gambhir, off-spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav and openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay will be on the franchises’ radar. The list also includes the overseas players, including Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Rashid Khan and Eoin Morgan. In the 10th season, Mumbai Indians led by Rohit Sharma defeated Pune to lift the IPL trophy for the third time.

IPL XI to begin on April 6, final to be played on May 27

The window for the franchises to retain players for the VIVO Indian Premier League 2018 season closed on January 4, 2018.

The franchises were eligible to secure up to 5 players by virtue of a combination of Player Retention (Pre-Player Auction) and Right to Match (RTM) (During the Player Auction).

Two-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings, who are returning to the tournament after the two-year ban has retained MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja for IPL 2018. On the other hand, Rajasthan, which is also coming back after the ban has retained only one player, Steve Smith.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Banglore have retained Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers&nbsp;and Sarfaraz Khan.

David Warner and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar were retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Whereas, Mumbai Indians kept hold of skipper Rohit Sharma, allrounder Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.

Kolkata Nightriders kept two West Indies players, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab looking forward to a complete revamp of the team by retaining only Axar Patel.

Delhi Daredevils trusted Chris Morris over&nbsp;Jean-Paul Duminy by looking at his current form. He was retained along with Rishab pant and Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting appointed&nbsp;as Delhi Daredevils&#39; head coach.

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will mark their return after 2-year ban in IPL 2018

The window for the franchises to retain players for the VIVO Indian Premier League 2018 season closed on January 4, 2018. The franchises were eligible to secure up to 5 players by virtue of a combination of Player Retention (Pre-Player Auction) and Right to Match (RTM) (During the Player Auction). Two-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings, who are returning to the tournament after the two-year ban has retained MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja for IPL 2018. On the other hand, Rajasthan, which is also coming back after the ban has retained only one player, Steve Smith. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Banglore have retained Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Sarfaraz Khan. David Warner and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar were retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Whereas, Mumbai Indians kept hold of skipper Rohit Sharma, allrounder Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Kolkata Nightriders kept two West Indies players, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab looking forward to a complete revamp of the team by retaining only Axar Patel. Delhi Daredevils trusted Chris Morris over Jean-Paul Duminy by looking at his current form. He was retained along with Rishab pant and Shreyas Iyer. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting appointed as Delhi Daredevils' head coach.

IPL retention: CSK returns with Dhoni, RCB retains Virat

All roads in Mumbai will lead to St Regis Hotel in Lower Parel Mumbai on Tuesday night as newlyweds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma will host a grand reception for their friends and colleagues. Since the two are from&nbsp;different professions- Bollywood stars and Indian Cricketers are expected to be attending the gala event.&nbsp; 
 
The function will take place at Astor Ballroom of the hotel, which has a seating capacity of 300 guests. Located on the 9th floor, the ballroom has 23 foot-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers.

Among the guests, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and other Bollywood celebrities are expected to attend the event. Sources close to the couple have stated that the couple chose to host the party on December 26th so that the Indian cricket team could attend it. India just won a series against Sri Lanka which got over on December 24th. So MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj and others will be coming to wish the newlyweds. The event is supposed to begin at 8 pm.&nbsp;

Ahead of their reception, the couple had sent a unique invitation to guests which comprised of a card and a potted sapling. Filmamker&nbsp;Kunal Kohli had tweeted photos of the invite.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> what a lovely invite. Everything about your wedding has been personal,classy &amp; romantic. Just like you both. God bless. <a href="https://t.co/OBHVp2dnE1">pic.twitter.com/OBHVp2dnE1</a>
&mdash; kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/kunalkohli/status/941984989092163584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The couple hosted a grand reception in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-are-the-first-photos-of-virat-and-anushka-at-their-delhi-reception-27398"> Delhi on December 21st </a>which had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-suresh-raina-shikhar-dhawan-attend-virat-kohli-anushka-sharmas-delhi-wedding-reception-27420">PM Modi, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir</a> and Suresh Raina in attendance. The couple was also blessed by singer-actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-anushka-sharmas-wedding-reception-the-newlyweds-dance-the-night-away-with-their-friends-27423">Gurdas Mann </a>who came to perform at the event.&nbsp;

Virat and Anushka got married in Tuscany in a private ceremony earlier on December 11th. The couple may have wanted their special day to be a private affair, but soon after photos of their wedding went viral on social media - giving their fans a peek into&nbsp;the dream-like ceremony. The couple were initially mum about their wedding but made an official statement post the ceremony on their respective Twitter pages.&nbsp;

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Today we have promised each other to be bound in love for ever. We are truly blessed to share the news with you.This beautiful day will be made more special with the love and support of our family of fans &amp; well wishers. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. <a href="https://t.co/aobTUwMNAK">pic.twitter.com/aobTUwMNAK</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/940240175917084673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The two will travel to South Africa soon after the reception where the Indian captain will prep for the upcoming series and Anushka will spend New Year&#39;s Eve with him.&nbsp;

Anushka will come back to Mumbai in the first week of January to begin filming for Sui Dhaga opposite Varun Dhawan.&nbsp;

Among the guests, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and other Bollywood celebrities are expected to attend the event.

All roads in Mumbai will lead to St Regis Hotel in Lower Parel Mumbai on Tuesday night as newlyweds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma will host a grand reception for their friends and colleagues. Since the two are from different professions- Bollywood stars and Indian Cricketers are expected to be attending the gala event. The function will take place at Astor Ballroom of the hotel, which has a seating capacity of 300 guests. Located on the 9th floor, the ballroom has 23 foot-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Among the guests, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and other Bollywood celebrities are expected to attend the event. Sources close to the couple have stated that the couple chose to host the party on December 26th so that the Indian cricket team could attend it. India just won a series against Sri Lanka which got over on December 24th. So MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj and others will be coming to wish the newlyweds. The event is supposed to begin at 8 pm. Ahead of their reception, the couple had sent a unique invitation to guests which comprised of a card and a potted sapling. Filmamker Kunal Kohli had tweeted photos of the invite. @imVkohli @AnushkaSharma what a lovely invite. Everything about your wedding has been personal,classy & romantic. Just like you both. God bless. pic.twitter.com/OBHVp2dnE1 — kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) December 16, 2017 × The couple hosted a grand reception in Delhi on December 21st which had PM Modi, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina in attendance. The couple was also blessed by singer-actor Gurdas Mann who came to perform at the event. Virat and Anushka got married in Tuscany in a private ceremony earlier on December 11th. The couple may have wanted their special day to be a private affair, but soon after photos of their wedding went viral on social media - giving their fans a peek into the dream-like ceremony. The couple were initially mum about their wedding but made an official statement post the ceremony on their respective Twitter pages. Today we have promised each other to be bound in love for ever. We are truly blessed to share the news with you.This beautiful day will be made more special with the love and support of our family of fans & well wishers. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. pic.twitter.com/aobTUwMNAK — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 11, 2017 × The two will travel to South Africa soon after the reception where the Indian captain will prep for the upcoming series and Anushka will spend New Year's Eve with him. Anushka will come back to Mumbai in the first week of January to begin filming for Sui Dhaga opposite Varun Dhawan.

Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma's Mumbai reception today: All that you need to know about the grand event

An old video of MS Dhoni has surfaced on Instagram and it is bound to put a smile on your face. The cricketer appears to be in a vanity van of sorts and is seen dancing to a song from the film Desi Boyz.&nbsp; 
 
Dhoni&#39;s wife Sakshi can be seen sitting on a couch next to him and laughing her heart out as Dhoni goes on to copy John Abraham&#39;s steps from the song Jhak Maarke. Incidentally, Abraham and Dhoni are said to be good friends and share a common passion for bikes.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BbPjVXnjmcy/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Such an adorable video of our #CaptainCool #SuperAdorable ?? #Throwback #MsDhoni #SakshiDhoni #Dance #SapnaMotiBhavani</a>

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Dhoni retired from Test cricket in 2014 but is still part of Indian squad for the limited-over set up. The record-setting Indian captain has won all ICC trophies, the most famous of which were the 2007 World T20 win in South Africa and the 2011 ODI World Cup at home in 2011. 
&nbsp;

An old video of MS Dhoni has surfaced on Instagram and it is bound to put a smile on your face.

An old video of MS Dhoni has surfaced on Instagram and it is bound to put a smile on your face. The cricketer appears to be in a vanity van of sorts and is seen dancing to a song from the film Desi Boyz. Dhoni's wife Sakshi can be seen sitting on a couch next to him and laughing her heart out as Dhoni goes on to copy John Abraham's steps from the song Jhak Maarke. Incidentally, Abraham and Dhoni are said to be good friends and share a common passion for bikes. Such an adorable video of our #CaptainCool #SuperAdorable ?? #Throwback #MsDhoni #SakshiDhoni #Dance #SapnaMotiBhavani A post shared by Cricket Shots® (@cricketshots) on Nov 8, 2017 at 9:42am PST × Dhoni retired from Test cricket in 2014 but is still part of Indian squad for the limited-over set up. The record-setting Indian captain has won all ICC trophies, the most famous of which were the 2007 World T20 win in South Africa and the 2011 ODI World Cup at home in 2011.

Watch: MS Dhoni's dance moves to Desi Boyz song has wife Sakshi in splits

All-rounder Hardik Pandya starred with the bat and ball to help India defeat Australia by 26 runs in the rain-hit opening one-day international in Chennai on Sunday.

(Also Read:<a href="http://http://www.wionews.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-completes-milestone-of-100th-international-half-century-20315"> MS Dhoni completes milestone of 100th international half-century</a>)

Chasing a revised target of 164 in 21 overs, the visitors were frustrated by wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav who shared five wickets between them. They ended on 137-9.

But it was Pandya&#39;s 66-ball 83 and two wickets that proved decisive in India taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Pandya put on a gritty 118-run sixth-wicket stand with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made 79, to lift India from a precarious 87-5 after electing to bat first.

In reply, the visitors had to wait for two hours to start their shortened chase as constant drizzle threatened to spoil the contest.

Pacemen Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya combined to hurt Australia&#39;s hopes of chasing a tricky target with three early strikes including skipper Steve Smith for one.

Bumrah bowled debutant opener Hilton Cartwright for one. He then took a stunning high catch at short fine-leg to send Smith trudging back to the pavilion off Pandya.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav also joined the party after getting star opener David Warner caught behind for 25 as Australia&#39;s innings fell apart.

Glenn Maxwell tried to raise Australia&#39;s hopes with his 18-ball 39, including three fours and four sixes, but Yuzvendra Chahal cut short the batsman&#39;s blitz.

Leg-spinner Chahal ended with three wickets in his five overs. Pandya and Yadav took two each.&nbsp;

Earlier Australian fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile had made an impact with three wickets including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli for nought.

Coulter-Nile, who returned after a string of injuries that kept him out since June 2016, put India in early trouble at 11-3.

Rohit Sharma, who made 28, and Kedar Jadhav, who scored 40, tried to rebuild with their 53-run partnership before Marcus Stoinis sent the two batsmen back in the pavilion.

Dhoni, who has captained the successful Chennai franchise in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, then made his innings count along with Pandya for company.

The duo thwarted the Australian bowling with some stubborn batting before Pandya let loose to take the attack to the opposition.

Pandya took a special liking to Adam Zampa&#39;s leg-spin as he smashed the bowler for a four and three successive sixes in an over to bring up his third ODI fifty.

Zampa though did get Pandya out for his only wicket in the innings but the bowler&#39;s 10 overs cost his side 66 runs.

Dhoni soon took over to blast some vital runs in the last five overs as he added 72 runs with number-eight Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished unbeaten on 32.

The two teams now head to Kolkata&#39;s iconic Eden Gardens for the second ODI on Thursday.

It was Hardik Pandya's 66-ball 83 and two wickets that proved decisive in India taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series

All-rounder Hardik Pandya starred with the bat and ball to help India defeat Australia by 26 runs in the rain-hit opening one-day international in Chennai on Sunday. (Also Read: MS Dhoni completes milestone of 100th international half-century) Chasing a revised target of 164 in 21 overs, the visitors were frustrated by wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav who shared five wickets between them. They ended on 137-9. But it was Pandya's 66-ball 83 and two wickets that proved decisive in India taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Pandya put on a gritty 118-run sixth-wicket stand with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made 79, to lift India from a precarious 87-5 after electing to bat first. In reply, the visitors had to wait for two hours to start their shortened chase as constant drizzle threatened to spoil the contest. Pacemen Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya combined to hurt Australia's hopes of chasing a tricky target with three early strikes including skipper Steve Smith for one. Bumrah bowled debutant opener Hilton Cartwright for one. He then took a stunning high catch at short fine-leg to send Smith trudging back to the pavilion off Pandya. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav also joined the party after getting star opener David Warner caught behind for 25 as Australia's innings fell apart. Glenn Maxwell tried to raise Australia's hopes with his 18-ball 39, including three fours and four sixes, but Yuzvendra Chahal cut short the batsman's blitz. Leg-spinner Chahal ended with three wickets in his five overs. Pandya and Yadav took two each. Earlier Australian fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile had made an impact with three wickets including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli for nought. Coulter-Nile, who returned after a string of injuries that kept him out since June 2016, put India in early trouble at 11-3. Rohit Sharma, who made 28, and Kedar Jadhav, who scored 40, tried to rebuild with their 53-run partnership before Marcus Stoinis sent the two batsmen back in the pavilion. Dhoni, who has captained the successful Chennai franchise in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, then made his innings count along with Pandya for company. The duo thwarted the Australian bowling with some stubborn batting before Pandya let loose to take the attack to the opposition. Pandya took a special liking to Adam Zampa's leg-spin as he smashed the bowler for a four and three successive sixes in an over to bring up his third ODI fifty. Zampa though did get Pandya out for his only wicket in the innings but the bowler's 10 overs cost his side 66 runs. Dhoni soon took over to blast some vital runs in the last five overs as he added 72 runs with number-eight Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished unbeaten on 32. The two teams now head to Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens for the second ODI on Thursday.

India beat Australia by 26 runs in 1st ODI

Former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday reached the landmark of 50 centuries in international cricket across all three formats of the game after he scored 79 runs against Australia in the first ODI in Chennai.

The 36-year-old is now the 13th cricketer in the history of international cricket to achieve the feat and among Indians, the fourth after Sachin Tendulkar (164), Rahul Dravid (146) and Sourav Ganguly (107).

Dhoni was playing his 66th ODI half-century in his 302nd ODI. He has scored 33 half centuries in 90 Tests and&nbsp;one in the 78 T20 International matches that he has played.

Dhoni now has 9737 runs in ODIs and requires 263 more runs to complete the 10,000-run milestone in the 50-over format.&nbsp;

Among Indians, he is fourth after Sachin Tendulkar (164), Rahul Dravid (146) and Sourav Ganguly (107) to achieve the feat

Former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday reached the landmark of 50 centuries in international cricket across all three formats of the game after he scored 79 runs against Australia in the first ODI in Chennai. The 36-year-old is now the 13th cricketer in the history of international cricket to achieve the feat and among Indians, the fourth after Sachin Tendulkar (164), Rahul Dravid (146) and Sourav Ganguly (107). Dhoni was playing his 66th ODI half-century in his 302nd ODI. He has scored 33 half centuries in 90 Tests and one in the 78 T20 International matches that he has played. Dhoni now has 9737 runs in ODIs and requires 263 more runs to complete the 10,000-run milestone in the 50-over format.

MS Dhoni completes milestone of 100th international half-century

Effective spin bowling and indiscreet shot selection combined to give&nbsp;India&nbsp;an ultimately comfortable 93-run victory over the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Indies&nbsp;in a low-scoring third fixture of a five-match One-Day International series on Friday.

Set a target of 252 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua to prevent the visitors taking an unbeatable 2-0 series lead, the hosts were on course with Jason Mohammed and Rovman Powell in full flow in a 54-run sixth-wicket partnership.

But then&nbsp;India&#39;s frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin swung the match decisively in their team&#39;s favour.

From a promising position of 141 for five in the 33rd over, the Caribbean side crashed to 158 all out within the next five overs.

Yadav and Ashwin took three wickets each in engineering the capitulation that was finished off by Kedar Jadhav as he yorked last man Kesrick Williams with his first ball of the match.

Powell had looked dangerous in getting to 30 before a top-edged sweep off Yadav resulted in the pivotal dismissal via a catch at deep backward square leg.&nbsp;

Mohammed, who managed a top score of 40, became another victim of the left-arm wrist-spinner, trapped leg-before to effectively end the contest.

Earlier it was Jadhav who triggered a late run explosion in partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni as&nbsp;India&nbsp;reached 251 for four batting first on a sluggish pitch affected by prolonged, torrential rains the day before.

Dhoni top-scored with an unbeaten 78 off 79 balls and was named man of the match, but the real impetus came from Jadhav, who blazed 40 off 26 balls in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 81 runs off just 46 deliveries.

Ajinkya Rahane held the innings together after the loss of early wickets, the opener extending his excellent run of form in the series with 72, his third consecutive score over 50.

&quot;I thought the pitch got easier for batting as the day went along so I was really pleased with the fight we showed towards the end of our innings and then from our bowlers,&quot; said&nbsp;India&nbsp;captain Virat Kohli.

&quot;We may now be looking at giving some of our other players in the squad an opportunity to show how they can perform in these conditions.&quot;

&#39;Satisfying&#39; for Dhoni&nbsp;

Comprehensively beaten by 105 runs in the second match in Trinidad five days earlier following a rain-ruined no-result to start the series,&nbsp;West&nbsp;Indies&nbsp;took early advantage of the pitch conditions.

Miguel Cummins removed Shikhar Dhawan in just the third over while Jason Holder justified his decision to bat first on winning the toss when he claimed the prized scalp of Kohli, who was brilliantly caught by debutant Kyle Hope at gully.

Rahane found a reliable partner in Yuvraj Singh, the pair putting on 66 for the third wicket before Devendra Bishoo trapped Yuvraj lbw for 39.&nbsp;

Dhoni then joined Rahane in another important stand of 70, although both found the spinners especially hard to get away on the turgid surface.

&quot;Our batting has been performing so well for the last year and a half that I haven&#39;t had too many opportunities to spend time in the middle in ODIs so this was very satisfying,&quot; said Dhoni.

&quot;I am continuing to enjoy my cricket and it&#39;s good to see the hunger and desire from all the players.&quot;

It was the arrival of Jadhav at the crease in the 43rd over, when Rahane became Cummins&#39; second wicket of the innings, that shot the score upward.

&quot;We started well with the ball but let things get away from us towards the end of their innings,&quot; said Holder. &quot;Yet again the batting didn&#39;t deliver and that continues to be a problem.&rdquo;

West&nbsp;Indies&nbsp;need to win the fourth match at the same venue on Sunday to have a chance of squaring the series going into the final match on July 6 in Kingston.

India scored 251 on a two-paced pitch, while West Indies folded for 158 in their reply

Effective spin bowling and indiscreet shot selection combined to give India an ultimately comfortable 93-run victory over the West Indies in a low-scoring third fixture of a five-match One-Day International series on Friday. Set a target of 252 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua to prevent the visitors taking an unbeatable 2-0 series lead, the hosts were on course with Jason Mohammed and Rovman Powell in full flow in a 54-run sixth-wicket partnership. But then India's frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin swung the match decisively in their team's favour. From a promising position of 141 for five in the 33rd over, the Caribbean side crashed to 158 all out within the next five overs. Yadav and Ashwin took three wickets each in engineering the capitulation that was finished off by Kedar Jadhav as he yorked last man Kesrick Williams with his first ball of the match. Powell had looked dangerous in getting to 30 before a top-edged sweep off Yadav resulted in the pivotal dismissal via a catch at deep backward square leg. Mohammed, who managed a top score of 40, became another victim of the left-arm wrist-spinner, trapped leg-before to effectively end the contest. Earlier it was Jadhav who triggered a late run explosion in partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India reached 251 for four batting first on a sluggish pitch affected by prolonged, torrential rains the day before. Dhoni top-scored with an unbeaten 78 off 79 balls and was named man of the match, but the real impetus came from Jadhav, who blazed 40 off 26 balls in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 81 runs off just 46 deliveries. Ajinkya Rahane held the innings together after the loss of early wickets, the opener extending his excellent run of form in the series with 72, his third consecutive score over 50. "I thought the pitch got easier for batting as the day went along so I was really pleased with the fight we showed towards the end of our innings and then from our bowlers," said India captain Virat Kohli. "We may now be looking at giving some of our other players in the squad an opportunity to show how they can perform in these conditions." 'Satisfying' for Dhoni Comprehensively beaten by 105 runs in the second match in Trinidad five days earlier following a rain-ruined no-result to start the series, West Indies took early advantage of the pitch conditions. Miguel Cummins removed Shikhar Dhawan in just the third over while Jason Holder justified his decision to bat first on winning the toss when he claimed the prized scalp of Kohli, who was brilliantly caught by debutant Kyle Hope at gully. Rahane found a reliable partner in Yuvraj Singh, the pair putting on 66 for the third wicket before Devendra Bishoo trapped Yuvraj lbw for 39. Dhoni then joined Rahane in another important stand of 70, although both found the spinners especially hard to get away on the turgid surface. "Our batting has been performing so well for the last year and a half that I haven't had too many opportunities to spend time in the middle in ODIs so this was very satisfying," said Dhoni. "I am continuing to enjoy my cricket and it's good to see the hunger and desire from all the players." It was the arrival of Jadhav at the crease in the 43rd over, when Rahane became Cummins' second wicket of the innings, that shot the score upward. "We started well with the ball but let things get away from us towards the end of their innings," said Holder. "Yet again the batting didn't deliver and that continues to be a problem.” West Indies need to win the fourth match at the same venue on Sunday to have a chance of squaring the series going into the final match on July 6 in Kingston.

India beat West Indies to lead series 2-0

By Rustam Roy 
 
Mumbai Indian fans should be weary of one man in today&#39;s final - MS Dhoni, after all he is etched in their memory as the man who hit &nbsp;that &#39;super six&#39; in the 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede against Sri Lanka. Mumbai coach Mahela Jayawardene who was at the receiving end on that day will also be a tad uncomfortable when the Ranchi star comes out to bat.

MS has always relished a final encounter be it the ICC T20, 50-over World Cup, Champions trophy but importantly in the context of the IPL - the former Indian captain has featured in most IPL finals - seven including this year&#39;s clash with Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma&#39;s men should be very afraid.

Dhoni has been quietly racking up the runs in this edition, focussing on returns-280 runs in 15 matches @ an average of 114. One of the great finishers of the game, he has hit more sixes than boundaries in this season -14 boundaries and 16 sixes, in fact he has hit more sixes compared to boundaries for the first time in this season- maybe the best of Dhoni is yet to come.

Rising Pune Supergiants have a huge psychological edge over Rohit Sharma&#39;s men having beaten them in the first qualifier easily by 20 runs and outclassed them at home &amp; away in this season. Dhoni left a few scars on the Mumbai bowlers in the first qualifier after he hit a quickfire 40 off 26 balls with five sixes in a crucial 73-run stand with Manoj Tiwary which tilted the game in Pune&#39;s favour on Tuesday.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and coach would have to sit down with Malinga, McClenaghan and Bumrah to devise a plan to stop the Dhoni onslaught, maybe introducing Harbhajan would be a good ploy. The trick is to get Dhoni early and not allow him to settle down because once he is able play himself in, the death overs become a nightmare for the opposition as Bumrah and McClenaghan found out to their &nbsp;horror at the Wankhede.

Pune Supergiants have all to play for in their debut appearance in the final as they will be dismantaled after the final match and just like Chennai Superkings who no longer exist but have left an indelible mark, Pune spearheaded by Dhoni power under Australian Steve Smith can outclass the star studded Mumbai Indians. 
 
(WION)

Rising Pune Supergiants have a huge psychological edge over Rohit Sharma's men having beaten them in the first qualifier

By Rustam Roy Mumbai Indian fans should be weary of one man in today's final - MS Dhoni, after all he is etched in their memory as the man who hit that 'super six' in the 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede against Sri Lanka. Mumbai coach Mahela Jayawardene who was at the receiving end on that day will also be a tad uncomfortable when the Ranchi star comes out to bat. MS has always relished a final encounter be it the ICC T20, 50-over World Cup, Champions trophy but importantly in the context of the IPL - the former Indian captain has featured in most IPL finals - seven including this year's clash with Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma's men should be very afraid. Dhoni has been quietly racking up the runs in this edition, focussing on returns-280 runs in 15 matches @ an average of 114. One of the great finishers of the game, he has hit more sixes than boundaries in this season -14 boundaries and 16 sixes, in fact he has hit more sixes compared to boundaries for the first time in this season- maybe the best of Dhoni is yet to come. Rising Pune Supergiants have a huge psychological edge over Rohit Sharma's men having beaten them in the first qualifier easily by 20 runs and outclassed them at home & away in this season. Dhoni left a few scars on the Mumbai bowlers in the first qualifier after he hit a quickfire 40 off 26 balls with five sixes in a crucial 73-run stand with Manoj Tiwary which tilted the game in Pune's favour on Tuesday. Skipper Rohit Sharma and coach would have to sit down with Malinga, McClenaghan and Bumrah to devise a plan to stop the Dhoni onslaught, maybe introducing Harbhajan would be a good ploy. The trick is to get Dhoni early and not allow him to settle down because once he is able play himself in, the death overs become a nightmare for the opposition as Bumrah and McClenaghan found out to their horror at the Wankhede. Pune Supergiants have all to play for in their debut appearance in the final as they will be dismantaled after the final match and just like Chennai Superkings who no longer exist but have left an indelible mark, Pune spearheaded by Dhoni power under Australian Steve Smith can outclass the star studded Mumbai Indians. (WION)

IPL final preview: 'MS' - 'Mumbai slayer' can become King

Robin Uthappa made a mockery of Rising Pune Supergiant&#39;s bowling attack to anchor Kolkata Knight Riders closer towards a play-off berth with a convincing seven-wicket win in an IPL match, here tonight. 
 
The India discard right-hander struck a match-winning 87 off just 47 balls balls and was ably supported by skipper Gautam Gambhir, who made 62 off 46 deliveries, as two-time champions KRR regained their spot in top of the standings with six wins from eight games. 
 
While Uthappa decorated his knock with seven boundaries and six hits over the fence, Gambhir innings was laced with six fours and one six. 
 
The duo stitched 158 runs off just 85 balls for the second wicket to help KKR chase down the 183-run target with 11 balls to spare. 
 
Earlier, Steven Smith led from the front with an unbeaten 51 to lift Pune to a challenging 182 for five. 
 
Smith&#39;s half-century came off 37 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six. 
 
Besides Smith, Ajinkya Rahane (46 off 41 balls), Rahul Tripathi (38 off 23), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (23 off 11) and Daniel Christian (16 off 6) also made useful contributions for the home team. 
 
Left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for KKR with figures of two for 31. 
 
Chasing the target, Sunil Narine (15 off 9 balls) once again got KKR off to a brisk start before he was run out in the third over. 
 
Then Uthappa and Gambhir joined hands and took control off the chase with a bit of luck on their favour. 
 
Uthappa was lucky to have survived a close LBW call when he was yet to open his account and later when Jaydev Unadkat made a mess of a chance at deep midwicket off Imran Tahir&#39;s bowling with the batsman on 12. 
 
The stylish right-hander grabbed the opportunities with both hands and thereafter opened his arms to struck boundaries and sixes at will. 
 
Uthpappa did not spare a single Pune bowler with young Washington Sundar and Unadkat facing the maximum wrath. 
 
Uthappa brought up his half-century in just 26 balls in the 11th over. 
 
Gambhir, on the other hand, was content to play one and twos with occasional boundaries in between. 
 
Gambhir too got a life at the personal score of 32, dropped by Sundar off Daniel Christian&#39;s bowling. 
 
The duo, however, could not finish off the chase as both departed while trying to get over the line as quickly as possible but not before doing the job for their side. 
 
Earlier sent into bat, Pune made a brisk start, courtesy opener Tripathi&#39;s aggressive strokeplay. 
 
Tripathi was at his aggressive best while his experienced partner Rahane played the second fiddle. 
 
Tripahi went about his shots and luck favoured him as he got two reprieves -- first an outside in the fifth delivery of the innings which went just over wicketkeeper Uthappa&#39;s reach and then Yusuf Pathan spilled a chance at long-on in the seventh over while running backwards. 
 
During his stay at the crease Triptahi dealt mainly in boundaries and struck Narine (1/34) for three boundaries to pick up 15 runs in the sixth over. 
 
However, Triptahi&#39;s luck ran out shortly as he under- edged a Piyush Chawla (1/36) googly on to his stumps soon. 
 
Tripathi&#39;s dismissal hardly had any effect on Pune Supergiant&#39;s scoring rate as Rahane and skipper Smith struck a boundary each in every over thereafter. 
 
But Rahane fell four runs short of his second IPL 10 fifty when he was stumped by Uthappa off Narine&#39;s bowling. 
 
Rahane&#39;s wicket brought in Dhoni who made his intentions clear from the onset. 
 
Dhoni struck Chawla to the midwicket boundary in the third ball of the 15th over and then followed it up with a huge hit over long-off boundary off the next ball. 
 
Dhoni continued his onslaught and clobbered Kuldeep Yadav for another six in the next over. 
 
But a brilliant 18th over from Kuldeep Yadav and some fine glove work by Uthappa derailed Pune Supergiant&#39;s surge. 
 
Kuldeep Yadav foxed Dhoni and Manoj Tiwary with two beautiful googlies and Uthappa was quick to whip off the bails to dismiss the batsmen. 
 
Just when it seemed KKR had managed to pull things back, Smith and Christian stepped on the accelerator and accumulated 30 runs off the last two overs, that included consecutive sixes by the latter off Chris Woakes, to take Pune beyond the 180-run mark.

(PTI)

Robin Uthappa struck a match-winning 87 to propel Kolkata Knight Riders to the top of the league table

Robin Uthappa made a mockery of Rising Pune Supergiant's bowling attack to anchor Kolkata Knight Riders closer towards a play-off berth with a convincing seven-wicket win in an IPL match, here tonight. The India discard right-hander struck a match-winning 87 off just 47 balls balls and was ably supported by skipper Gautam Gambhir, who made 62 off 46 deliveries, as two-time champions KRR regained their spot in top of the standings with six wins from eight games. While Uthappa decorated his knock with seven boundaries and six hits over the fence, Gambhir innings was laced with six fours and one six. The duo stitched 158 runs off just 85 balls for the second wicket to help KKR chase down the 183-run target with 11 balls to spare. Earlier, Steven Smith led from the front with an unbeaten 51 to lift Pune to a challenging 182 for five. Smith's half-century came off 37 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six. Besides Smith, Ajinkya Rahane (46 off 41 balls), Rahul Tripathi (38 off 23), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (23 off 11) and Daniel Christian (16 off 6) also made useful contributions for the home team. Left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for KKR with figures of two for 31. Chasing the target, Sunil Narine (15 off 9 balls) once again got KKR off to a brisk start before he was run out in the third over. Then Uthappa and Gambhir joined hands and took control off the chase with a bit of luck on their favour. Uthappa was lucky to have survived a close LBW call when he was yet to open his account and later when Jaydev Unadkat made a mess of a chance at deep midwicket off Imran Tahir's bowling with the batsman on 12. The stylish right-hander grabbed the opportunities with both hands and thereafter opened his arms to struck boundaries and sixes at will. Uthpappa did not spare a single Pune bowler with young Washington Sundar and Unadkat facing the maximum wrath. Uthappa brought up his half-century in just 26 balls in the 11th over. Gambhir, on the other hand, was content to play one and twos with occasional boundaries in between. Gambhir too got a life at the personal score of 32, dropped by Sundar off Daniel Christian's bowling. The duo, however, could not finish off the chase as both departed while trying to get over the line as quickly as possible but not before doing the job for their side. Earlier sent into bat, Pune made a brisk start, courtesy opener Tripathi's aggressive strokeplay. Tripathi was at his aggressive best while his experienced partner Rahane played the second fiddle. Tripahi went about his shots and luck favoured him as he got two reprieves -- first an outside in the fifth delivery of the innings which went just over wicketkeeper Uthappa's reach and then Yusuf Pathan spilled a chance at long-on in the seventh over while running backwards. During his stay at the crease Triptahi dealt mainly in boundaries and struck Narine (1/34) for three boundaries to pick up 15 runs in the sixth over. However, Triptahi's luck ran out shortly as he under- edged a Piyush Chawla (1/36) googly on to his stumps soon. Tripathi's dismissal hardly had any effect on Pune Supergiant's scoring rate as Rahane and skipper Smith struck a boundary each in every over thereafter. But Rahane fell four runs short of his second IPL 10 fifty when he was stumped by Uthappa off Narine's bowling. Rahane's wicket brought in Dhoni who made his intentions clear from the onset. Dhoni struck Chawla to the midwicket boundary in the third ball of the 15th over and then followed it up with a huge hit over long-off boundary off the next ball. Dhoni continued his onslaught and clobbered Kuldeep Yadav for another six in the next over. But a brilliant 18th over from Kuldeep Yadav and some fine glove work by Uthappa derailed Pune Supergiant's surge. Kuldeep Yadav foxed Dhoni and Manoj Tiwary with two beautiful googlies and Uthappa was quick to whip off the bails to dismiss the batsmen. Just when it seemed KKR had managed to pull things back, Smith and Christian stepped on the accelerator and accumulated 30 runs off the last two overs, that included consecutive sixes by the latter off Chris Woakes, to take Pune beyond the 180-run mark. (PTI)

IPL: Kolkata's Uthappa blitz pummels Pune bowlers into submission

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match Saturday.

After a series of flop shows, Dhoni&#39;s reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but on Saturday&nbsp;the former India captain was in his elements, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase.

Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium.

Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes.

This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses.

Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over.

When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith&#39;s wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match.

However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season&#39;s costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over.

Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj.

Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over.

Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan.

But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue.

For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece.

Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three.

Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out 
off 10 balls).

Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring.

Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30.

Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian.

Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante.

Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six.

After Warner&#39;s departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI) 
&nbsp;

Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match Saturday. After a series of flop shows, Dhoni's reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but on Saturday the former India captain was in his elements, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase. Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium. Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes. This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses. Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over. When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith's wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match. However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season's costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over. Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over. Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan. But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue. For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece. Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three. Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out off 10 balls). Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring. Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30. Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian. Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante. Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six. After Warner's departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries. (PTI)

Dhoni seals 6-wicket victory for Pune Supergiant against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant&nbsp;to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match here today. 
 
After a series of flop shows, Dhoni&#39;s reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but today the former India captain was in his element, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase. 
 
Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium. 
 
Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes. 
 
This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. 
 
Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses. 
 
Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over. 
 
When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith&#39;s wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match. 
 
However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. 
 
Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season&#39;s costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over. 
 
Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj. 
 
Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over. 
 
Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan. But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. 
 
Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue. 
 
For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece. 
 
Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three. 
 
Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out off 10 balls). 
 
Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring. 
 
Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30. 
 
Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian. 
 
Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante. 
 
Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six. 
 
After Warner&#39;s departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. 
 
He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries.

(PTI)

This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match here today. After a series of flop shows, Dhoni's reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but today the former India captain was in his element, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase. Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium. Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes. This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses. Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over. When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith's wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match. However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season's costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over. Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over. Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan. But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue. For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece. Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three. Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out off 10 balls). Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring. Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30. Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian. Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante. Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six. After Warner's departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries. (PTI)

IPL: Dhoni leads Rising Pune Supergiant to six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad

Captain Steven Smith&#39;s love affair with Pune continued as he led Rising Pune Supergiant to a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL match, dishing out an unbelievable unbeaten knock under pressure in a tense last-over finish, here today. 
 
Smith finished off the match with two consecutive sixes in the final over and remained not out on 84 from 54 balls as Pune chased down the target of 185 with one ball to spare as the match went down the wire. 
 
Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni&#39;s inability to finish off matches put pressure on the home side and Smith, at the other end, pulled of a sensational innings at the same ground where he had smashed a century to set up a memorable win for Australia in the recent Test series. 
 
Pune needed 13 runs from the final over and Smith hit a six off the fourth ball, picking a Kieron Pollard slow ball needing another four for a win from two balls. He did not wait for the final delivery and hit the fifth ball of the final over to the stands to the huge roar of home crowd to reach 187 for 3 in 19.5 overs. 
 
India batsman Ajinkya Rahane also made a significant contribution as he hit a brilliant 60 from 34 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. 
 
Smith and Rahane stitched 58 runs for the second wicket from seven overs to lay the foundation for the run chase. 
 
Pune began brightly but lost Mayank Agarwal (6) in the fourth over bowled by Mitchell McClenaghan and that put some brake on the quick start. 
 
The other opener Ajinkya Rahane and captain Steven Smith batted sensibly with a mix of caution and aggression to take Pune to 93 for 1 at the halfway mark. 
 
Rahane reached to his 32nd T20 fifty with a four off Hardik Pandya in the ninth over but he fell two overs later while attempting a pull shot with Nitish Rana taking a smart catch at deep square leg. 
 
Rahane hit six boundaries and three sixes in his 34-ball knock and shared 58 runs for the second wicket with Smith. 
 
Smith then dropped anchor and showed his class by hitting some exquisite shots to ensure that Pune remained in the hunt in his debut captaincy for the Pune side. 
 
Smith was dropped on 36 off the bowling of McClenaghan with Nitish Rana being the culprit. 
 
Mumbai raised some hopes of a win after Hardik Pandya dismissed Ben Stokes, this IPL season&#39;s costliest buy, for 21. 
 
But it was shortlived as Smith snatched the game from the jaws of defeat. 
 
Earlier, Hardik Pandya&#39;s late heroics took Mumbai Indians to 184 for 8 after leg-spinner Imran Tahir produced a sensational three-wicket burst in the space of 10 balls. 
 
South African Tahir (3/28), who was unsold in the IPL auction and drafted in the Pune team as a late replacement, triggered a top-order collapse to put brakes on Mumbai&#39;s rollicking start after they were put into bat. 
 
Mumbai did not have any substantial partnership after the opening wicket stand of 45 between Parthiv Patel (19) and Jos Buttler (38) before Pandya&#39;s late flourish took them to a competitive total. Pandya remained not out at 35 from 15 balls (1x4; 4x6) as Mumbai added 64 runs in the last five overs. 
 
Tahir cleaned up Patel in his second ball of the match, giving Pune the first breakthrough after Mumbai had knocked off 41 runs in the first four overs. He dealt a body blow to Mumbai in his next over by sending back captain Rohit Sharma (3 off 7 balls) who tried to work Tahir&#39;s delivery to the leg side without any foot movement only to lose his stumps. 
 
Just two balls later, Tahir dismissed opener Buttler in an LBW decision to rock the Mumbai innings. Butler, who hit three sixes and as many fours in his 19-ball knock, was a bit unlucky as it appeared the ball got an inside edge of his bat. 
 
Butler had hit his England team-mate and this season&#39;s costliest buy Ben Stokes (1/36) for two consecutive sixes to set the tempo of the match. 
 
Rajat Bhatia (2/14) had Ambati Rayudu caught and bowled for 10 before Mumbai reached 100-run mark in 13th over. Bhatia then cut short Krunal Pandya&#39;s (3) stay at the crease to just five balls to reduce Mumbai to 107 for five in the 14th over. 
 
Nitish Rana tried to steady the Mumbai innings with a 28-ball 34 but he was also out in 16th over. Kieron Pollard was dismissed for 27 (17 balls; 3x4; 1x6) in the penultimate over by Stokes for the bowler&#39;s first IPL wicket. 
 
Hardik Pandya then stunned the home crowd as he scored four sixes and a boundary to take 30 runs from the final over bowled by Ashok Dinda.

(PTI)

Needing 13 of the last over, Steven Smith finished off the match with two consecutive sixes in the final over

Captain Steven Smith's love affair with Pune continued as he led Rising Pune Supergiant to a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL match, dishing out an unbelievable unbeaten knock under pressure in a tense last-over finish, here today. Smith finished off the match with two consecutive sixes in the final over and remained not out on 84 from 54 balls as Pune chased down the target of 185 with one ball to spare as the match went down the wire. Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to finish off matches put pressure on the home side and Smith, at the other end, pulled of a sensational innings at the same ground where he had smashed a century to set up a memorable win for Australia in the recent Test series. Pune needed 13 runs from the final over and Smith hit a six off the fourth ball, picking a Kieron Pollard slow ball needing another four for a win from two balls. He did not wait for the final delivery and hit the fifth ball of the final over to the stands to the huge roar of home crowd to reach 187 for 3 in 19.5 overs. India batsman Ajinkya Rahane also made a significant contribution as he hit a brilliant 60 from 34 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. Smith and Rahane stitched 58 runs for the second wicket from seven overs to lay the foundation for the run chase. Pune began brightly but lost Mayank Agarwal (6) in the fourth over bowled by Mitchell McClenaghan and that put some brake on the quick start. The other opener Ajinkya Rahane and captain Steven Smith batted sensibly with a mix of caution and aggression to take Pune to 93 for 1 at the halfway mark. Rahane reached to his 32nd T20 fifty with a four off Hardik Pandya in the ninth over but he fell two overs later while attempting a pull shot with Nitish Rana taking a smart catch at deep square leg. Rahane hit six boundaries and three sixes in his 34-ball knock and shared 58 runs for the second wicket with Smith. Smith then dropped anchor and showed his class by hitting some exquisite shots to ensure that Pune remained in the hunt in his debut captaincy for the Pune side. Smith was dropped on 36 off the bowling of McClenaghan with Nitish Rana being the culprit. Mumbai raised some hopes of a win after Hardik Pandya dismissed Ben Stokes, this IPL season's costliest buy, for 21. But it was shortlived as Smith snatched the game from the jaws of defeat. Earlier, Hardik Pandya's late heroics took Mumbai Indians to 184 for 8 after leg-spinner Imran Tahir produced a sensational three-wicket burst in the space of 10 balls. South African Tahir (3/28), who was unsold in the IPL auction and drafted in the Pune team as a late replacement, triggered a top-order collapse to put brakes on Mumbai's rollicking start after they were put into bat. Mumbai did not have any substantial partnership after the opening wicket stand of 45 between Parthiv Patel (19) and Jos Buttler (38) before Pandya's late flourish took them to a competitive total. Pandya remained not out at 35 from 15 balls (1x4; 4x6) as Mumbai added 64 runs in the last five overs. Tahir cleaned up Patel in his second ball of the match, giving Pune the first breakthrough after Mumbai had knocked off 41 runs in the first four overs. He dealt a body blow to Mumbai in his next over by sending back captain Rohit Sharma (3 off 7 balls) who tried to work Tahir's delivery to the leg side without any foot movement only to lose his stumps. Just two balls later, Tahir dismissed opener Buttler in an LBW decision to rock the Mumbai innings. Butler, who hit three sixes and as many fours in his 19-ball knock, was a bit unlucky as it appeared the ball got an inside edge of his bat. Butler had hit his England team-mate and this season's costliest buy Ben Stokes (1/36) for two consecutive sixes to set the tempo of the match. Rajat Bhatia (2/14) had Ambati Rayudu caught and bowled for 10 before Mumbai reached 100-run mark in 13th over. Bhatia then cut short Krunal Pandya's (3) stay at the crease to just five balls to reduce Mumbai to 107 for five in the 14th over. Nitish Rana tried to steady the Mumbai innings with a 28-ball 34 but he was also out in 16th over. Kieron Pollard was dismissed for 27 (17 balls; 3x4; 1x6) in the penultimate over by Stokes for the bowler's first IPL wicket. Hardik Pandya then stunned the home crowd as he scored four sixes and a boundary to take 30 runs from the final over bowled by Ashok Dinda. (PTI)

IPL: Pune's Smith plays captain's knock to beat Mumbai

Australia skipper Steve Smith will replace Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Rising Pune Supergiants captain in this year&#39;s Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise said on Sunday.

Former India captain Dhoni led the now-suspended Chennai franchise to Twenty20 league title victories in 2010 and 2011 but under his captaincy Pune finished second last in their maiden IPL season last year.

&quot;I have the highest regard for MS Dhoni as a leader and a person. Dhoni will continue to be an important part of our team,&quot; Pune franchisee owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement.

&quot;He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchisee&#39;s best interests in mind.&quot;

Dhoni, who quit test cricket in 2014, stepped down as India&#39;s limited-overs captain last month, having led the team to World Cup triumphs in both the 20-overs and 50-overs format.

Smith&#39;s Australia team mate and fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of this year&#39;s IPL which begins on April 5.

&quot;After a long summer and with a big tour of India still ahead I think it is in my best interests, both physically and mentally, for me to have a break, spend time with my family and take the opportunity to work on getting back to full fitness,&quot; Starc said.

(Reuters)

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of this season's lucrative Indian Premier League

Australia skipper Steve Smith will replace Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Rising Pune Supergiants captain in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise said on Sunday. Former India captain Dhoni led the now-suspended Chennai franchise to Twenty20 league title victories in 2010 and 2011 but under his captaincy Pune finished second last in their maiden IPL season last year. "I have the highest regard for MS Dhoni as a leader and a person. Dhoni will continue to be an important part of our team," Pune franchisee owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement. "He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchisee's best interests in mind." Dhoni, who quit test cricket in 2014, stepped down as India's limited-overs captain last month, having led the team to World Cup triumphs in both the 20-overs and 50-overs format. Smith's Australia team mate and fast bowler Mitchell Starc has pulled out of this year's IPL which begins on April 5. "After a long summer and with a big tour of India still ahead I think it is in my best interests, both physically and mentally, for me to have a break, spend time with my family and take the opportunity to work on getting back to full fitness," Starc said. (Reuters)

IPL: Steve Smith replaces Dhoni as Pune skipper

In a surprise move, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as limited overs captain of the Indian cricket team, thereby drawing the curtains to his glorious leadership career.

The BCCI today said in a statement that Dhoni has informed the Board that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team from the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals.

While expressing his desire to quit captaincy, Dhoni however conveyed to the selection committee that he will be available for selection for the three ODIs and as many T20s against England starting January 15.

Commenting on Dhoni&#39;s sudden announcement, Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI said, &quot;On the behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank MS Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, the Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket.&quot;

Dhoni, 35, had earlier suddenly quit Test captaincy during the Australia tour in 2014 in Melbourne.

Dhoni has been India&#39;s most successful captain. Under his leadership India have won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and also reached the top of the Test rankings in 2009.

India&#39;s Test skipper Virat Kohli is likely to take over captaincy of the limited overs team following Dhoni&#39;s decision.

(PTI)

India's Test skipper Virat Kohli, already a legend in his own time, is likely to take over the captaincy

In a surprise move, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as limited overs captain of the Indian cricket team, thereby drawing the curtains to his glorious leadership career. The BCCI today said in a statement that Dhoni has informed the Board that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team from the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals. While expressing his desire to quit captaincy, Dhoni however conveyed to the selection committee that he will be available for selection for the three ODIs and as many T20s against England starting January 15. Commenting on Dhoni's sudden announcement, Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI said, "On the behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank MS Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, the Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket." Dhoni, 35, had earlier suddenly quit Test captaincy during the Australia tour in 2014 in Melbourne. Dhoni has been India's most successful captain. Under his leadership India have won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and also reached the top of the Test rankings in 2009. India's Test skipper Virat Kohli is likely to take over captaincy of the limited overs team following Dhoni's decision. (PTI)

MS Dhoni steps down as India's limited overs captain

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