IPL 2016, RCB vs MI Match 41 Preview: Can the Mumbai Indians stop the winning streak of the Challengers?
After defeating the Kings XI Punjab by 1 run in a thrilling encounter, the Royal Challengers Bangalore will host the Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The Royal Challengers are in with an outside chance of making it to the playoffs after a disastrous start to their campaign. Skipper Virat Kohli, the leading run-scorer in this tournament and holder the orange cap will look to inspire his boys to an unlikely Playoff place.
The Mumbai Indians will want to erase any memory of their previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where the Indians were bundled out for 92. The Mumbai Indians also have a chance of making it to the playoffs and this game will be crucial for both the teams. Skipper Rohit Sharma has been going strong for the Indians, scoring 388 runs in 10 matches. Mitchell McClenaghan has been one of the leading wicket-takers in this tournament. The contest between McClenaghan and Kohli will be fierce and an absolute treat for the spectators to witness. Two of the finest exponents of the shortest format taking on each other.
Match Date and Time: 11 May 2016, 2000 hours IST
Match Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.
Weather:
Temperature: Max 31°C, Min 26°C
Humidity: Max 55%
Wind: 7 km per hour
Pitch Report: Par-score 190. Best wicket to bat on in India currently.
In-Depth Analysis:
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have won 2 games in a row and it has to an extent jump-started their campaign. The opening pair has been superb for the Challengers with K L Rahul providing excellent support to Kohli at the top of the order. Rahul has scored 264 runs in 7 matches, including 3 fifties so far this season. The Challengers will hope they can continue their good form for the team.
AB de Villiers has been filling in the number 3 position quite well and he scored 64 runs in just 35 deliveries in the previous match against the Kings XI Punjab. The South African as we all know can take the game away very quickly from the opposition if it’s his day. Rohit Sharma will have to plan extensively to get him back to the pavilion as fast as he can.
Retirement has only made Shane Watson increase his work rate, he has been spectacular for the Challengers and he is proving his worth with his all-round abilities. Watson has scored 137 runs so far for the Challengers with a strike-rate of over 160. He has also picked up 14 wickets in 9 innings and he is one of the leading wicket-takers in this season's IPL.
The bowling unit of the Challengers finally defended the target by 1 run and this will be a huge boost for the Challengers. Shane Watson was the pick of the bowlers for the Challengers against the Kings XI and he will be the key for them (again).
The Mumbai Indians had a massive collapse in the batting unit against the world-class bowling attack of the Sunrisers. Rohit Sharma will need to continue to be the backbone for Indians and his partnership with Parthiv Patel at the top will have to be good.Laying the platform for their explosive middle order which includes the likes of Buttler, Pollard, and Rayudu.
Tim Southee and Mitch McClenaghan will open the bowling attack for the Mumbai Indians. They have been consistent in their performances and can also bowl well at the death overs. With Krunal Pandya and Harbhajan Singh handling the spin department, the Mumbai Indians have a complete bowling attack with a lot of variety. Rohit will have to choose his options wisely.
The Mumbai Indians have been the more consistent team in the when compared to the Royal Challengers and they will start as favorites to win the match despite the result in the last match.