Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane was the star player for Rising Pune Supergiants in their victory over Mumbai Indians Reuters

Rising Pune Supergiants have started their Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with a bang after registering a comfortable nine wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on 9 April, Saturday.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first. His decision to do so did not go as per their plan as the Mumbai based outfit lost their top order cheaply. The captain, along with Lendl Simmons, Jos Buttler, Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard were dismissed cheaply as four of these batsmen failed to score in double digits.

Ambati Rayudu's 22, followed by Harbhajan Singh's unbeaten 45 down the order helped their side to post a decent total of 121 runs in 20 overs. It was for the first time Mumbai Indians lost five wickets with just 40 runs on the board.

In reply, the Supergiants were given a good start by openers Ajinkya Rahane and Faf du Plessis. They went on an attack from the very first ball. The duo put on a brilliant 78 runs partnership, before the South Africa's T20 skipper was bowled by Harbhajan.

Rahane remained unbeaten on 66, while Kevin Pietersen's unbeaten 21 off 14 balls helped Rising Pune Supergiants comfortably as they reached the target in 14.4 overs. It was an impressive debut for a side led by MS Dhoni's side and they will be more than delighted.

The Pune based franchise face Gujarat Lions in the next fixture on 14 April, while Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders a day before at the Eden Gardens.

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