IPL 2017 | RPS vs GL: Ben Stokes' century powers Pune to victory

Rising Pune Supergiants have defeated Gujarat Lions by 5 wickets in a crucial game to earn two important points.

Pune, while chasing a modest 162 runs target set by Gujarat Lions were struggling on 10 for 3 at one time and then 42 for 4. Pradeep Sangwan, who had a very good comeback, striked twice in his first over to push Pune on the backfoot.

But Supergiants did a very good come back and the most expensive players of IPL 2017, Ben stokes proving his worth scored a brilliant century to win two important points for his team and enhanced their Playoffs chances.

Stokes joined forces with MS Dhoni and the duo added 76 runs for the fifth-wicket to frustrate the Lions.

IPL 2017 | RPS vs GL, Highlights: Pune defeat Gujarat by five wickets

Earlier in the match, leg-spinner Imran Tahir had rocked the Lions' batting order with a three-wicket burst to help his side bundle out the rivals for a 161 in 19.5 overs.

The Lions were off to a flying start with Brendon McCullum (45) and Ishan Kishan (31) adding 55 quick runs for the first wicket but lost wickets in regular intervals and lost the momentum.
Apart from Tahir,  Jaydev Unadkat (3/29) also took three wickets to wrap up things a ball before 20 overs.

Both teams have played each other four times in IPL and it was the first ever win of Pune over Gujarat Lions. Rising Pune Supergiants now have 12 points from 10 matches and they are ranked fourth in points table while Lions are sixth with six points.