Pune witnessed an absolute thriller as the Maharashtra derby here turned out to be an enthralling affair. Needing 10 to win off the final three deliveries, Pune skipper Steven Smith displayed nerves of steel as he helped his team get past the line with two gigantic sixes. The fact that both deliveries were pitched in the good length by Kieron Pollard didn’t help Mumbai’s cause.

The hero of the night however, was none other than Steven Smith, whose impeccable unbeaten knock of 84 off just 54 deliveries got Pune past the target. Earlier in the run chase, it was Ajinkya Rahane who provided the Supergiant off to a flying start. The eye catching opener reminded viewers of why he is rated so highly in the IPL and his knock against the Mumbai Indians was just another instance of that view.

Towards the end though, with Dhoni struggling to time the ball, it was Smith who took up all the responsibility upon himself to score 10 within 3 deliveries. Two loose deliveries from Pollard were just what Smith needed, and the Australian responded in style by depositing them over the ropes.

Fans on Twitter were excited throughout the game and below are some of the tweets.

Steve stunning SMITH?. #IPL2017

— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) April 6, 2017

What a knock from Smith! Indeed went down to the wire..RPS win in style courtesy 2 explosive hits from the skipper #RPSvMI #IPL2017 #IPL10

— Binaisha M. Surti (@bmsurti11) April 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/AnandsTweetz/status/850048287109300225

https://twitter.com/AfriDi_JEET/status/850048285989642240

Dinda will be Happy #RPSvMI #IPL #VIVOIPL

— Akshay Fadte (@AkshayFadte) April 6, 2017

@stevesmith49 deserves to be the Number 1 player in World Cricket…What a chase we just saw…..RESPECT ?#RPSvMI

— Vivek Desai (@vivekdesai1993) April 6, 2017

#RPSvMI #IPL2017 This could just be Steve Smith s season for @RPSupergiants. They have started well and are in good form…

— Karthik P (@signonpk) April 6, 2017

Zampa 1-26 in 3. Bhatia 2-14 in 3 overs. Watson yesterday, Smith today…tactically weak captaincy. #IPL #RPSvMI

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 6, 2017

KP to Manoj Tiwary: Tell MS #Dhoni That I'm Better Golfer Than Dhoni.

Dhoni: You Are Still My First Test Wicket. #IPL #RPSvMI #MIvRPS ? pic.twitter.com/ecL3W86FEc

— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) April 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/TheAlexLX/status/850044153153048576

#RPSvMI
Me during INDvsAUS : Smith BC, MC, Gandu, Cheater.

Me during #IPL : Come on Smith bhau .. ek number batting.. khoopach chaan shot!

— Ankur (@TheSinghAnkur) April 6, 2017

Is this same Pune wicket where ball turned and jumped in the test? This is what we call in Mumbai a real 'pata': bowlers graveyard! #RPSvMI

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 6, 2017

Once #Malinga is back for @mipaltan imagine the death bowling pairing with #Bumrah. What a nightmare to face #RPSvMI #IPL2017

— Arup Ghose (@arup_ghose) April 6, 2017

I don't think any blowers can stop Smith from scoring runs. Unbelievable form he is in. #RPSvMI #IPL

— ° (@SimplyARMAAN) April 6, 2017

His love affair with Pune 22 yards continues playing one heck of an innings pure class with unorthodox batting style #Smithy #ipl #RPSvMI

— gaurang gupta (@Gaurang10Gupta) April 6, 2017

That's why we love IPL .what an Maharashtra in derby it is…dhoni misses the balls …unexpected.. #RPSvMI

— Mumbaindians1997 (@mumbaindians199) April 6, 2017