IPL 2017: Rising Pune Supergiant vs Delhi Daredevils, 5 Talking Points
The Rising Pune Supergiant slumped to a 97-run defeat, their second successive defeat in three days, against the Delhi Daredevils after a dismal all round performance at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
Winning the toss, Pune’s stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane elected to field first, a move that backfired. Although they started well, picking up an early wicket, Sanju Samson almost single-handedly took the game away from the home side’s grasp.
Samson scored his first century in the IPL in only 62 balls to help Delhi post a competitive total. However, it was Chris Morris’ late onslaught that helped them cross the 200 mark. None of the Pune bowlers, other than Imran Tahir, managed to contain the flow of runs.
A target of 206 was always going to be difficult. But Pune never really looked like they could manage the uphill task, especially with their top five batsmen being sent back to the pavilion within the first eight overs. They still had hope with MS Dhoni at the crease but the former Indian batsman got out trying to hit Amit Mishra.
Thereafter, it was all downhill for Pune. Here are the five talking points from last night’s game.
#1 Sanju Samson final comes of age
In Delhi’s last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, it was the young Rishabh Pant who batted exceptionally well. Today, however, it was Kerala’s wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson who set the stage ablaze. He looked in exquisite touch throughout the innings as he toyed with an insipid bowling attack and went on to become the second youngest batsman to score a hundred in the IPL.
The 23-year-old is not a new name in the Indian domestic circuit. His exploits first came to the forefront when he impressed for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2013 and was adjudged the Best Young Player of the Season. However, despite performing on a consistent basis, until now, he had not been able to hog the limelight completely.
During today’s innings, he hit eight boundaries and five sixes. He reached his 100 with a six straight down the ground and as he celebrated, it seemed that he had finally come of age. Looking back, it was his innings that laid the groundwork for Pune’s win.