Streaky Super Kings face toughest test yet
In one of the greatest matchups in IPL history, Mumbai Indians play the Chennai Super Kings at Feroz Shah Kotla this Saturday. Mumbai have won six of their last seven meetings but the Super Kings look to have stumbled upon a winning formula, taking maximum points from their last five. They top the table with six games played, on the same points as Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai are four points behind in fourth. A five match winning streak is very rare in IPL and t20 cricket in general, the Indians will be spurred on to stop CSK running away from them, a dangerous chasm is appearing between the top and bottom four.
Squads
Man for man Mahela Jayawardene’s side have the upper hand. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a great prospect at the top of the order for the Super Kings, joined by the experience of Faf Du Plessis he is sure to keep on improving. But the South African is not often dazzling in terms of his strike rate and with Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja in the middle order neither have scored big in any recent editions of the competition. Even with IPL legends former MI Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina in the side, their best days have gone and they typically end up relying on Sam Curran and MS Dhoni to clear the ropes towards the end of an innings to be competitive. Chennai finished seventh last season where Mumbai topped the group and won the tournament, it is a nice opposition for the hosts, they know how to tackle CSK.
The Indians are still yet to get their bowling attack fully firing but with in form Rahul Chahar and the world class arms of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, they could run through the Yellows batting lineup. CSK are due a tricky game and Mumbai definitely pose that. Quinton De Kock’s 70 not out was match winning in their comfortable 170+ chase against the Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai can be unstoppable when onsong and they are expected to get a run going at some point. What better time than against their arch rivals, the second most successful franchise in the tournament’s history, behind themselves of course.
If Mumbai hit their straps and bat like they did against the Royals, it could be a long afternoon for CSK despite their winning streak.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
What a match, Ambati Rayudu and Kieron Pollard world class t20 innings' to produce an epic. Mumbai stole the win in a game that went down to the very last ball.