With three consecutive losses, Mumbai has found itself in quite a situation in this UAE leg of IPL 2021. Especially their last defeat against Bangalore will be fresh on their minds with the nature their batting collapsed after the explosive start. On the other hand, Punjab got some taste of win after a long time against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Punjab and Mumbai are going to face today in the second fixture of today’s doubleheaders. So let’s look at what we are in a treat for today.
Head-to-head
MI vs PBKS: Head to head record
The two teams have faced each other 27 times, of which Mumbai has managed to win 14 and Punjab 13. Their last encounter was in the first leg of this season, where Punjab registered an easy win with nine wickets to spare. The only Mumbai batsman that left the mark in that game was Rohit Sharma, and all the others just fell like a pack of cards, which has been the norm for this season for Mumbai.
Players to look forward to
The key players to look forward to
Rohit Sharma
Rohit has been leading from the front this season for Mumbai. However, he will have to retake the batting burden if they want to sail through this challenge.
Mayank Agarwal
A solid go-to batsman for the team for past seasons, Mayank has been decent enough this season with an average of 41.5, hammering 332 runs in 9 matches. However, KL Rahul must surely expect his favourite opener to put on a show against Mumbai.
Jasprit Bumrah
The ace of Mumbai Indians has not forgotten to leave his mark this season as well. Even though the batting department is currently in poor form, he and Boult keep away any doubts of the poor show from them.
Mohammed Shami
Speaking of aces, we also have one more ace in the Punjab camp who will be looking forward to pace through the Mumbai batting lineup. Mohammed Shami has been a critical factor in the death overs for Punjab and has been economical this season.
What can we expect?
MI vs PKBS: Probable XI
Mumbai’s camp currently has additional worries to look forward to due to their captain’s hand injury suffered during their Bangalore game. Their below average batting this season, in addition to Rohit’s injury, have made their hands full and will need some responsibility takers if they want to make it to Playoffs.
On the other hand, Punjab is in a slightly better situation than their opponent. Currently, on the 5th position of the points table, they’ll be looking to grab those two points in addition to an improved net run rate.
Undoubtedly a do or die scenario for both teams, this match will be the tone-setter of their winning intentions.