The Kings XI and the Mumbai Indians clash in an IPL tie that will have massive ramifications on the race for the top four.
The Kings XI Punjab find themselves in yet another do or die clash as they prepare to travel to the Wankhede to take on the table-topping Mumbai Indians.
Can Glenn Maxwell and his side get the job done without the services of Hashim Amla and David Miller or will it be business as usual for Rohit Sharma and co? The sides last met in the middle of April with the Indians coasting to an eight-wicket win. Will we see more of the same this time around? Let’s find out:
MI vs KIVP | Thursday 11 May 2017 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 16:30
To Win Match
Indians 72/100 | Tie 35/1 | Kings XI 23/20
Mumbai Indians
The Indians were pretty average last time out as they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Mumbai batsmen appeared to struggle on a slow deck at the Rajiv Gandhi with Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Siddarth Kaul all returning excellent figures against an all-star batting line-up.
Lendl Simmons and Nitish Rana both failed with the bat on that occasion and will look to make amends against one of the weaker attacks in the competition. This is especially true if they’re to hold on to their places in the side going into the Eliminator/Qualifier stage of the competition.
While their top order – barring Rohit and Parthiv Patel – failed, their attack did pretty well. That said, with such a small total to chase, the Sunrisers were never really forced to attack and took their time in constructing their innings which likely accounts for the good economy rates of the Indians’ bowlers.
Looking ahead, Mahela Jayawardene will definitely be looking for more from his batsmen. A rapid start from Simmons and Patel will be key to laying the foundations for a strong top and middle order to launch from. We’ve all seen what the likes of Kieron Pollard and Rohit can do if given the opportunity to attack with a good base beneath them.
Good news for the Indians is that they’ll be with the services of Lasith Malinga for the remainder of the tournament. This despite the fact that Sri Lanka have started preparations for the Champions Trophy.
Kings XI Punjab
The Kings XI passed the first of three stern examinations – beating the Knight Riders by 14 runs – last time out in their quest to qualify for the Eliminator/Qualifier section of the competition. Thursday’s clash may well prove a bridge too far for Maxwell and his charges.
They were full value for their win against the Knight Riders, but a similar batting display with the bat against the Indians will see them battle to score upward of 140 – a score you’d back Rohit and his boys to chase down with minimal fuss.
It’s time Martin Guptill pulled finger. The burley Kiwi has battled for form of late with scores of 9, 2 and 12 in his last three games – simply not good enough for a side where nothing less than a victory will suffice.
There is a bit of form elsewhere, however, with Mana Vohra and Maxwell striking the ball well of late. Shaun Marsh will also need to play a bigger role in the side going forward after the departures of Amla, Miller and Eoin Morgan.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians 72/100
The Indians have been in fine fettle throughout this season at the Wankhede, a trend that looks set to continue this Thursday. I simply don’t see the Kings XI attack dealing particularly well with the Indians’ batting line-up. This issue is compounded by the fact that the Mohali franchise have lost their star batsman in Hashim Amla. All signs point to a comfortable Mumbai Indians victory. Get on.
Value Bet: Rohit Sharma to top score for the Indians at 3/1
