It goes without saying that Mumbai Indians have become the only team to go with only one frontline spinner and doing well in the tournament. It might be for their quality pace attack which includes Trent Boult, Jaspreet Bumrah and Pattinson. If they have any problem with the fifth bowler to complete the remaining four overs, it has never been capitalised by the opposition in recent times. On the contrary, a couple of batsmen fell prey to Krunal Pandya and it was very silly on the part of Delhi Capitals. Then as I said in my MI vs DC match preview, it was the day of Quinton de Kock against two South African speedsters.
In RCB vs KKR match, Kolkata Knight Riders were in the game. They lost the toss, but kept Royal Challengers Bangalore at bay, until a giant architect of swinging willow played an unacademic innings on a slow surface. For KKR, he made a difference and they had to chase 190+. Then it was an expected collapse of Knight’s weak batting line.
An at home Mumbai Indians must have the edge over Kolkata Knight Riders at Abu Dhabi. Still it should be a fifty-fifty game, as Kolkata have the capability to handle nerve-jangling situation.
As the tournament has just crossed mid-way, we all are well acquainted with Mumbai batting line-up. Though de Kock played well last night, I think he is not at his best. If Varun Chakravarthy is introduced in the powerplay, he must keep an eye on him. Rohit Sharma has a terrific record against KKR. So he may go after the bowlers in the middle. Suryakumar Yadav is full of energy and can play all around the wicket. Pandya brothers are inconsistent, but well decorate the lower middle order. Pollard’s batting position speaks much of the depth of Mumbai’s batting unit. At No 7, he is to take the responsibility of any crumbling on top. He mastered it so far. Down the order Pattinson also can bat.
For KKR, Tom Banton may continue to open. As Mumbai will start with two fast bowlers, Tom Banton may go hard against them. Nitish Rana may be pushed a little down. Morgan, Karthik and Russell together should be moved up the order just after the opening slot. Down the order Pat Cummins is the only batsman, if still no Sunil Narine there.
KKR have played Banton in place of Sunil Narine and therefore, Kuldeep Yadav may be brought back to the side in place of either Nagarkoti or someone else. Though he had gone for runs earlier, it’s a revised situation. Pat Cummins should continue three at a stretch in the powerplay. Varun Chakravarthy is absolutely calm and much disciplined in the middle. Russell as a fifth bowler has to bowl all four. He may be introduced in the powerplay, recalled in the middle and also be used in the death. If he is not fit, KKR have to think differently.
Anrich Nortje vs Jos Buttler cameo in the second half of Delhi-Rajasthan match, a couple of days ago, drew everyone’s attention. Pace attack of Mumbai may create the same scenario, if someone in opposition camp can offer a Buttler-like defence. If none can, it’ll be all in favour of Mumbai Indians.
As it’s not Sharjah, KKR have something to cheer with a balanced bowling unit here at Abu Dhabi. For Mumbai, nothing to worry, as they played a lot here for the winning causes. It’s a batting first wicket. KKR may not play the same XI.