IPL 2018, MI v RR Match Prediction: Who will win tonight's match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals
Two of the five teams in the race for one of the four playoff spots, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, face off in what could be a knock-out blow for one and another step towards a top-four finish for the other. With 10 points in 11 matches, both the teams which are led by Mumbaikars, are on a mini-winning streak and tonight's match would be the most important of all.
In each of their last three encounters, MI have beaten a team above them on the points table which has strengthened their position in the league. RR, as well, have defeated two of the top four teams in their two back-to-back wins.
Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
When: 8 PM IST
If Mumbai Indians bat first
Predicted Score: 170+
Mumbai batsmen came into their own during their last match, against Kolkata Knight Riders. Almost all the batsmen chipped in and set a total of 210 runs for Kolkata to chase.
Evin Lewis, though not as consistent as his partner, has been providing Mumbai with decent starts throughout the course of the league. Suryakumar Yadav is Mumbai's top-scorer with 435 runs and one can expect him to fire tonight as well.
Rohit Sharma walked in at three against KKR, however, he was not at his fluent best. Ishan Kishan, Hardik and Krunal Pandya and JP Duminy have been used as floaters and they would continue playing the same role.
If Mumbai lose two quick wickets, sending in Duminy would be the most feasible option as he can anchor the innings and take MI to a respectable total. In any other case, Pandya brothers or Kishan can be sent in to accelerate the scoring. Ben Cutting will continue playing the finishing role.
The pitch at Mumbai is batting-friendly and with shorter boundaries and such a batting line-up, MI are expected to score in the vicinity of 180-200. On top of it, Rajasthan's bowling hasn't been up to the mark as well.
If Rajasthan Royals bat first
Predicted Score: 150+
The Rajasthan Royals think-tank's decision to send Jos Buttler up the order has worked wonders from them and it has single-handedly changed their fortunes in the league. Ajinkya Rahane was unimpressive up top and D'arcy Short had failed to replicate his Big Bash League form and that had hurt the team badly in the first few matches.
However, Buttler, in the four matches that he has opened, has scores of 67, 51, 82, 95* to show for. The Englishman's performance today would be instrumental tonight as well. Buttler's compatriot Ben Stokes has been disappointing though. Where he was supposed to do the bulk of scoring, he has managed only 185 runs in 11 matches.
The Indian duo of Rahane and Sanju Samson would have to step up as well if Rajasthan are to qualify for the playoffs. Krishanappa Gowtham could be utilised in a better way as well.
With Mumbai's bowling clicking at the right time, if Buttler and Stokes fail tonight, RR would find it really hard to cross the 150-160 mark.
Match Prediction
With home support behind them and their knack of winning do-or-die encounters, Mumbai are heavy favourites going into the match tonight. However, an inspired performance from one of Rajasthan's overseas exports could swing the tie in the visitors' favour.
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