Mumbai Indians started the tournament just as Mumbai Indians would. They lost their first game but they bounced back strongly against their bunny team Kolkata Knight Riders. MI won the game they had no business winning.
Put in to bat, MI could score 152 against KKR. The Kolkata team needed just 31 runs in the last 5 overs. They had 7 wickets in hand. MI applied a spectacular choke on KKR and emerged winners. They are a champion team and now brimming with confidence. It will be difficult to stop the MI juggernaut now. Nathan Coulter-Nile is expected to be fit for the game against SRH.
Sunrisers Hyderabad lost both their games from a position of strength. They will be highly disappointed especially with the loss against RCB. They had two set batsmen at the crease but still failed to nail down the chase. SRH skipper David Warner was particularly upset with the way batsmen got out trying to play cross-batted shots on a turning wicket.
The Hyderabad franchise face an uphill task against defending champions MI in their 3rd game. There is a call for Kane Williamson’s inclusion in the team but at whose cost is the answer the franchise have to ponder. Kedar Jadhav/Priyam Garg may replace Vijay Shankar in the team. We expect the orange army to make a roaring comeback in the competition.
MI vs SRH: Favourites?
MI are currently placed 3rd in the points table. They are high on confidence post their win against KKR. SRH on the other hand have team combinations to sort out. Their batting has been a letdown. They are the only team who are yet to win a game this season. SRH will be itching to notch their maiden win this season. MI hold the aces as per cricketing logic, but cricket is a funny game. SRH might upset MI tonight.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
Kane Williamson is expected to return to the SRH team. His experience and skill will come in handy.
David Warner needs to bat right through to set a tempo. If Warner gets going it will be difficult to stop him.
Rohit Sharma is yet to fire in the IPL. He will be keen to make his presence felt in this game.
X-factor player:
Rashid Khan is an X-factor who overpowers the opposition with his pure skill and disguise. He will be key to SRH against MI.
Suryakumar Yadav has been in top form and will look to continue his touch against SRH.
Probable Playing XI:
Mumbai Indians predicted XI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah
Sunrisers Hyderabad predicted XI:
David Warner (C), Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson, Kedar Jadhav, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, T. Natarajan
What do stats say about MI vs SRH?
MI and SRH have played 16 IPL games against each other.
MI has won 8 matches. SRH has won 8 games.
SRH’s highest score against SRH is 178. MI’s highest score against SRH in 208.
SRH’s lowest score against MI is 96. MI’s lowest score against SRH is 87.
Pitch:
Chennai’s pitch has proven to be a different beast this season. Run scoring has been difficult especially in the second innings. Teams have found it difficult to pace their chase in Chennai.
Weather Report:
A high of 33 degrees and a low of 27 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might play a big factor and teams will prefer to chase under such weather conditions.
Ground stats:
150 is the average score at this venue.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle of MI’s strength and SRH’s never-give-up attitude. SRH might just come out trumps in this game.
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