It is another double header Saturday of the IPL as we move to the 2nd game of the day. It is the clash between 5 time IPL champions, Mumbai and dangerous Punjab Kings. Let’s look at the match preview and other details.
MATCH PREVIEW:
Mumbai Indians’ journey in IPL 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride, starting with two big losses followed by three consecutive victories. Despite a strong batting lineup on paper, they struggled to score runs from Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav in the initial games. However, the pair’s recent performances have strengthened the team.
In contrast, Punjab Kings started the season with back-to-back wins but have only managed one victory in their last four matches. The team’s strategy relied on Shikhar Dhawan anchoring the innings while others batted around him. However, his shoulder injury left them without a backup plan, and they need to find the best combination of overseas players. Despite Sikandar Raza’s Player of the Match performance, he was dropped in the next game, a decision the team may have to reconsider.
MATCH DETAILS
Match: Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, Match 31
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Date: 22nd April 2023
Time: 7:30 PM
PITCH REPORT:
The Wankhede Stadium is known for being favorable for chasing teams. Out of 32 night T20 games played there since the start of 2021, 22 have been won by the team batting second. Spinners have been more successful in the IPL with 13 wickets and an economy of 7.64, while fast bowlers have nine wickets at 10.17.
RECENT RESULTS (most recent first)
Mumbai Indians: WWWLL
Punjab Kings: LWLLW
PROBABLE PLAYING XIs
Mumbai Indians: 1. Rohit Sharma (capt), 2. Ishan Kishan (wk), 3. Cameron Green, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Tilak Varma, 6. Tim David, 7. Nehal Wadhera, 8. Riley Meredith, 9. Arjun Tendulkar, 10. Hrithik Shokeen, 11. Piyush Chawla, 12. Jason Behrendorff.
Punjab Kings: 1. Atharva Taide, 2. Prabhsimran Singh, 3. Liam Livingstone, 4. Harpreet Singh, 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7. M Shahrukh Khan, 8. Sam Curran (capt), 9. Harpreet Brar, 10. Kagiso Rabada/Nathan Ellis, 11. Arshdeep Singh, 12. Rahul Chahar
PREDICTION
Considering the recent form and settled team combination, Mumbai Indians should win this game. However, Punjab just needs to find that missing piece in their top order. So, don’t be surprised if the Punjabis turn it around.
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