Pune aim to settle scores vs Daredevils

Rising Pune Supergiant will have an opportunity to get back to the winning ways when the Steve Smith-led franchise takes on Delhi Daredevils (DD) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 match here on Tuesday.

Pune had a mixed start to their current IPL campaign, handsomely winning their opener against Mumbai Indians before going down to Kings XI Punjab in their second match. Delhi, on the other hand, will have their task cut out after having narrowly lost their maiden tie against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 15 runs. The Daredevils lacked the spark in their batting having failed to chase 158 against RCB, with youngster Rishabh Pant emerging the lone bright spot for the side, scoring 57 runs, two days after losing his father. The top order comprising the domestic trio of Aditya Tare, Karun Nair and Sanju Samson fumbled while opener Sam Billings failed to provide the fiery start expected from him. All-rounders Carlos Brathwaite and Chris Morris, too flunked with the willow, when the team needed them the most. Pune, however, will have to be cautious dealing with the Daredevils' bowling, which is spoilt for choice in the pace department. Led by the experienced Zaheer Khan, Daredevils bowlers were right on their money against RCB.

On the other hand, the hosts will bank on their batting prowess to take them home. With the likes of in-form skipper Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Manoj Tiwary in their ranks, batting is considered the strongest aspect for the Pune side.