NEW DELHI — Suffering the ignominy of 11 straight losses, Pune Warriors India, Thursday decided it was time to tinker with the records at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium. Pune scored a convincing seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals to give the home fans something to cheer. Chasing a modest 146, Pune was helped by Aaron Finch, who played a magnificent innings of 64 off 53 balls. Pune openers Robin Uthappa and Finch went hard after the Rajasthan bowlers and was 50 off just 3.4 overs. James Faulkner provided the much-needed breakthrough as Rahul Dravid pulled off a blinder to send Uthappa (32) on his way. Needing less than 6 runs an over thereafter, Finch and Ross Taylor pushed the ball into gaps and rotated the strike to steadily close in on the target. Earlier Rajasthan elected to bat. Bhuvneshwar Kumar got his team off to a fantastic start as he dismissed Kusal Perera leg before off the very first delivery. Ajinkya Rahane and Dravid laid the foundation for Rajasthan putting on 81 runs for the second wicket. At the halfway stage Rajasthan was 72-1. Mathews pulled off a stunning catch in the covers off Rahul Sharma to send back Rahane (30) and break the partnership. A few lusty blows by Brad Hodge (22 not out) and Faulkner (19 not out), in the last over enabled Rajasthan to finish at 145 runs for 5. Scores: Rajasthan Royals 145 for 5 (Rahul Dravid 54, Rahul Sharma 2-16) lost to Pune Warriors India 148 for 3 (Aaron Finch 64, James Faulkner 2-17) by 7 wickets. — Agencies
