IPL 2016, MI vs KXIP Match 43 Preview: Can the Kings XI upset the Mumbai Indians?
The Kings XI Punjab did everything they could against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and still ended up losing their previous match by 1 run (This is why we love cricket). The Kings XI have improved a lot since the start of the tournament and they have played well enough to hold their heads high. The Kings XI Punjab still have 4 games in hand and nothing to stop them from performing to their full potential.
The Mumbai Indians have found life difficult in their substitute home, registering the lowest total in this season against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Mumbai Indians bounced back against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and are back on track to reach the playoffs. The Mumbai Indians know that every game will matter from now on and even a small lapse can ruin their campaign.
The Match 43 of VIVO IPL 2016 will feature the Mumbai Indians taking on the Kings XI Punjab in Visakhapatnam.
Match Date and Time: 13 May 2016, 2000 hours IST.
Match Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
Weather:
Temperature: Max 32°C, Min 30°C
Humidity: Max 88%
Wind: 11 km per hour
Pitch Report: Par-score 150. Spinners will get some turn on this dry pitch.
In-Depth Analysis:
The Kings XI Punjab have performed much better in the second half of the tournament, winning 2 games and losing 2 so far. Skipper Murali Vijay has been the best batsman for the Kings XI, scoring 318 runs in 10 innings including 3 fifties with a high score of 89 coming against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Hashim Amla will need to start performing quickly as his partnership with Vijay for the opening wicket can do wonders for the Kings XI.
Wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha will most likely occupy the number 3 spot. Saha has got limited opportunities to play his natural game in this season but he showed what he is capable of against the Delhi Daredevils, where he scored 53 of just 33 deliveries. The wicket-keeper batsmen will look to continue his form and make the number 3 position his.
It was about time that the Kings XI Punjab gave a chance to the South African allrounder Farhaan Behardien. The Kings XI Punjab will need to find someone who can bat in the middle order as David Miller has been in miserable form this season. The management will have to look into their resources and find a player who can replace Miller.
Gurkeerat Singh Mann is a recognised middle order batsman in the domestic circuit and the Kings could try giving him another chance to shine. Anureet Singh bowled with a lot of heart for the Kings XI in the last match, as he conceded only 15 runs in 3 overs. With Axar Patel bowling well alongside KC Cariappa in the spin department, the Kings XI will hope that their bowlers can continue their good form against the Mumbai Indians.
Though the Mumbai Indians managed to beat their competitors Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous match, Visakhapatnam will constantly be a remind Mumbai Indians of their terrible performance against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Pointing will have to help the batsmen get over their nightmares and make sure that they continue to play their natural game.
Skipper Rohit Sharma will lead the batting attack against the Kings XI alongside Parthiv Patel. Rohit and Parthiv are averaging below 10 for the opening wicket and they will have to need to address the situation and put up a good opening wicket partnership.
The Mumbai Indians tried out youngster Nitish Rana in their previous match and that did not pay off well for the team. Rana will need some time to settle down in the team. The Mumbai Indians could employ the services of the Kiwi International Martin Guptill and even Corey Anderson as they are already established players in the International arena.
The Mumbai Indians have a strong bowling line-up consisting of Mitchell McClenaghan, Tim Southee and Jasprit Bumrah. All 3 are capable of bowling with the new ball and at the death overs. Rohit should be comfortable with his options and can even use Kieron Pollard to fill in the mid overs in addition to Krunal Pandya and Harbhajan Singh.
The Kings XI might not make it to the playoffs but they still will want to perform for their fans. They will be hoping to finish above the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Rising Pune Supergiants. Winning against the Mumbai Indians will help them in their cause to finish at a respectable position.