While topping the table for long, both the sides are no less tense than the teams at the bottom. Just towards the later phase of the tournament, the competition gets lively. If a number of teams were trying to have more points out of nothing, they started to get a smell of qualification. And it’s not only for the top three’s failure to capitalize their advantage of early run in the tournament but also for the excellent cricket from the bottom-placed teams.
Mumbai lost to Rajasthan last time and the way they were outplayed was something a little bit of concern for Mumbai. Hardik Pandya came to rescue MI, when it appeared to be an average projected score. After twenty overs, the scenario got changed and Rajasthan had to chase a two hundred plus score. Though Uthappa got out early, from the very first over a clear mindset was potent in Rajasthan camp. An unbeaten century moulded with unchallenging cricketing shots helped RR take the game home in 18.2 overs.
RCB bowled out KKR in 84 and couldn’t defend 145 against Chennai. With less batting depth in the middle, RCB struggled to score a healthy score. Though Chennai are at the bottom, they have class players to chase 145. Chennai knew well that they could exploit the inexperience of RCB bowlers. Rituraj Gaikwad and Ambati Rayadu chased down the total very comfortably and du Plessis set the tone with his superfast cameo at the start.
Last night Delhi lost the important game against Sunrisers and therefore, no team could get the desired points till now. But today, either of the contestants is going to break that. Apart from securing their positions at a more comfortable stage, the top teams are still fighting to take place in the first four. And it’s the beauty of this tournament that whenever you assess one to qualify and other to not, it gets changed.
It’s not right that with no Rohit Sharma, Mumbai are suffering a lot at the very start of batting. But there is a chance of imbalance in the team just because of his absence. Mumbai have a strong middle order with Pollard and Pandya brothers.
RCB have a poor run at the start, as Finch is yet to register a big score. Padikkal is consistent but maintains a slow strike rate. The side is much depending on the giant duo of Virat Kohli and de Villiers. RCB have not a fantastic middle order, but Morris, Mann can bat well.
Chahal and Sundar are the best weapons of Kohli. Siraj and Saini should be very disciplined against Mumbai Indians, as they will target them. Chris Morish is the only experienced in the pace unit.
Mumbai have a complete T20 pack in respect of bowling attack. Pattinson is fast, Boult is wicket to wicket and Bumrah has a great hand to mix his length. Rahul Chahar is very consistent. His leg break might come handy, as RCB have a lot of right hand batsmen.
Till now, Abu Dhabi is the most balanced ground to produce something for both the bowling and the batting. It’s a pressure game and therefore, on winning toss, any side may go for batting first. RCB may go for a single change in the playing XI. Once lost in the tournament against RCB, Mumbai must try to take it home.