Pune's time to take forward steps
ESPNcricinfo previews the IPL match between Pune Warriors and Mumbai Indians in Pune
Match facts
Thursday, May 3, PuneStart time 2000 (1430 GMT)
Big Picture
Pune Warriors started their campaign in IPL 2012 with an uplifting win against pre-tournament favourites, Mumbai Indians and followed it up with an easy win over Kings XI Punjab. But since then, they have played seven games and won only two, with a hat-trick of losses. Second from the bottom, Warriors still have a chance of qualifying for the play-off stage, but with just six games to go they will need to stay focussed.Form guide
(most recent first)Mumbai Indians: WLWLL
Players to watch
Steven Smith is the second highest run-getter for Warriors this season with 267 runs at a strike rate of 159.88. While several other top run-scorers have faced more than 200 balls, Smith has only faced 167, highlighting that he could have a greater impact if he is given more time in the middle.Stats and trivia
- Mumbai Indians' average of 21.58 runs per wicket is the lowest in this IPL. Warriors are third from the top with an average of 27.05.
- Mumbai Indians scored 101 against Warriors in their last match, the second-lowest score this season after their 92 all out against Delhi Daredevils.
Quotes
"One always plans to succeed but the success rate may not always be nine on 10. IPL comes with certain pressure, but we've played well overall and haven't been dominated by any team."Robin Uthappa on Warriors' recent losses
Ambati Rayudu
Devashish Fuloria is a sub-editor with ESPNcricinfo