Mumbai Indians find themselves in an unfamiliar position post their heavy loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore. They are languishing at the 7th spot. Their counterparts Punjab are currently at the 5th spot. It is the net run rate that separates the two teams. MI face a resurgent Punjab in a do-or-die encounter at Abu Dhabi, lets see MI vs PK match predictions.
MI vs PK: Form preview:
It has been a season to forget for MI so far:
Mumbai Indians crashed to a heavy defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The 55-run defeat pushed them down to the 7th spot in the points table. Their net run rate took a beating too. MI have failed to build any momentum this season. Their much-fancied middle and lower-middle order have had repeated failures. MI needs to fix their problems real quick. Time is running out for them. It is a do-or-die game for them against the Punjab Kings.
Punjab Kings’ tryst with playoffs:
KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings always make a late attempt to qualify for the playoffs. Their campaign this year eerily resembles their last year’s campaign. They have won 4 wins from 10 games much like Mumbai albeit at a better net run rate. Kings have a golden opportunity to build on the win that they achieved against SRH. Much like MI, it is a boom or bust game for Punjab too. Expect fireworks in this encounter.
MI vs PK: Favourites?
MI have to shrug off the heavy defeat they faced against RCB. They need to pull up their socks else it will be too late for the defending champions. Punjab on the other hand, are buoyed with the victory over SRH. They will be the more confident side heading into this game.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
KL Rahul has scored 640 runs against MI smashing 45 boundaries and 25 sixes.
Kieron Pollard has scored 514 runs at a strike rate of 163.69 against Punjab.
X-factor player:
Jasprit Bumrah looks in red hot form. He will be key to MI’s chances against PK.
Ravi Bishnoi might be a big factor against MI’s right-handed batsmen.
Probable Playing XI:
Mumbai Indians predicted XI:
Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan/Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne/James Neesham, Trent Boult, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah
Punjab Kings predicted XI:
KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh
What do stats say about MI vs PK?
MI and PK have played 27 IPL games against each other.
MI has won 14 games. PK has won 13 matches.
MI’s highest score against PK is 223. PK’s highest score against MI is 230.
MI’s lowest score against PK is 87. PK’s lowest score against MI is 119.
Pitch:
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium has long square boundaries. Spinners will enjoy these long boundaries. There will be something in it for the pacers too. Batsmen can count on the true bounce of the surface.
Weather Report:
A high of 35 degrees and a low of 32 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might not play a big factor at this venue.
Ground stats:
A total of 50 matches has been played at this venue. Teams batting first have won 22 games while chasing teams have won 28. The average scoring batting first at this venue is 140. On the other hand, the average 2nd innings score is a paltry 129. Anything above 165 will be a par score.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle between two evenly placed teams. Punjab are the happier unit at the moment.
