Dhoni helps Pune to end campaign on winning note

VISAKHAPATNAM: Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s 64 not out off 32 deliveries turned it around for Rising Pune Supergiants as the debutants ended their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with a fourwicket victory over Kings XI Punjab here on Saturday. Dhoni, who smashed four fours and five sixes, clobbered left-arm spinner Axar Patel for three sixes and a four in the final over to not only take Pune over the line but finish at the penultimate spot in the IPL table. Placed at the bottom and already out of contention for the play-offs, the match was an inconsequential affair for both sides. Chasing 173, Pune were off to a poor start losing inform opener Ajinkya Rahane and incoming batsman George Bailey in quick successions. That was before Dhoni’s fireworks started. The Ranchi stumper got ample support from Sri Lankan Thisara Perera, who chipped in with a 14-ball 23 to forge a 58-run sixth wicket stand to take the team to sniffing distance of a win. Opening the batting, Rahane, who scored a 15-ball 19, fell to pacer Sandeep Sharma after forging a 35- run opening stand with Australian Usman Khawaja (30 off 29). Bailey failed, scoring a 11-ball 9 before being stumped by Wriddhiman Saha off Patel. (IANS)