Kings XI to topple struggling champions
Two teams coming in to this match on the back of dramatic defeats last time out and could be excused for wanting calmer affairs in this one. Kings XI Punjab host the Mumbai Indians in Match 13 of this seasons Dream11 Indian Premier League and it is a game both teams will be desperate to win.
On the wrong side of history
Kings XI Punjab found themselves in the history books for the wrong reasons as they were on the end of Rajasthan Royals monumentally successful 224 run, run chase on Sunday. They will want to put what happened in that second innings to the back of their minds as they face the current champions the Mumbai Indians. With the bat, the openers put on the third highest ever opening partnership in IPL history with KL Rahul (69) and Mayank Agarwal (106) putting on 183 runs.
They would have been more than content at the half way point with 223 on the board but for the first time in this year’s competition the Kings XI bowlers didn’t perform. The usually metronomic and economical Mohammed Shami bowled 4-0-53-3 and Sheldon Cottrell went for an almighty 52 from just three overs. One thing that the Kings XI management will take comfort in is the fact that they were playing at Sharjah and 200 is about a par score on that ground.
Inconsistent Champions
Mumbai’s last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore ebbed and flowed both ways and for a moment towards the end of the run chase Ishan Kishan (99) and Kieron Pollard (60*) looked like they were going to sneak a victory from the jaws of defeat. Instead they had to settle for a super over, the second of this year’s IPL in just 10 matches. Questions have been asked about the decision not to send Ishan Kishan back out to face the super over, after they opted to send Hardik Pandya out, who didn’t set the world alight in the game. It was a decision that ultimately cost Mumbai as they only scraped seven runs from their six balls. Not even Jasprit Bumrah could defend that low score!
In match play, the Mumbai bowlers got the treatment, with Aussie James Pattinson conceding 51 from his 4 overs. Both him and Kiwi Trent Boult have been very economical up until now in the competition, so they will need to return to bowling with control against an opening partnership that are in unbelievable form with the bat.
Match Tip
Barring the carnage of the last few overs of the Rajasthan run chase, Kings XI have looked a solid outfit this year, so I can see them having some success against Mumbai in this one. For Mumbai, they have been good, but haven’t performed to the high standards that they usual pride themselves on.
I am backing Kings XI Punjab to beat the Mumbai Indians at 2.07 with 888sport.
Post bet chat Jack's Tips:
A comprehensive win for the reigning champions by 48 runs.