Mumbai Indians will lock horns against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. MI is currently at the top of the table with 12 points in a total of eight matches so far. Mumbai Indians are eyeing to finish at the top two positions in the league table. They will not wish to slip at this moment from the position they are in. The other two Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore are playing really well in this tournament. So, it’s going to be an interesting phase of the tournament.
On the other hand, it’s a must-win match for Kings XI Punjab. The star-studded Punjab side has been able to win only two matches this season. Both of their wins have come against Royal Challengers Bangalore. After coming back to winning ways in the previous match, Kings XI Punjab will be looking forward to turning the table from this moment.
Pitch Report:
The toss is going to be an important factor in this season. Previously we have seen the captains choosing to chase the total in T20 matches. However, in this tournament, the team batting second is facing problems to chase down the total because of various factors. The pitches are getting slow in the second innings. Captains will surely assess the condition ahead of the match and choose batting or bowling first according to their team strength. Batting first teams are getting a slight advantage as the ball has started to turn a bit more and the ground sizes are big except Sharjah.
Head To Head Record:
Total Matches Played: 25
Kings XI Punjab Won: 11
Mumbai Indians Won: 14
Predicted Starting XI; Kings XI Punjab Vs Mumbai Indians:
Kings XI Punjab:
KL Rahul (Captain, wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Arshdeep Singh, Murugan Ashwin.
Mumbai Indians:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, James Pattinson.
Key Players:
Kings XI Punjab:
KL Rahul
Mayank Agarwal
Mumbai Indians:
Rohit Sharma
Quinton De Kock
Captain And Vice Captain Choices:
Captain Choices: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma
Vice-Captain Choices: Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Quinton De Kock, Jasprit Bumrah
Probable Winner: Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have demolished Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous match. The opening partnership between Quinton De Kock and Rohit Sharma has been the key to success for them in this match. Nathan Coulter Nile has not been able to show his class in the previous match. So, James Pattinson might come into the side in place of him. Otherwise, it will be the same starting XI again in this match.
On the other hand, Chris Gayle has made a comeback in the side and the innings will surely give him a mental boost up. They might do one or two changes in their starting lineup. However, the form of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal will be an important factor in this match for Kings XI Punjab.
