IPL 2019, Match 36, RR vs MI: Match Prediction - Who will win today's match?
![Hardik Pandya has been really good at the death for Mumbai [Image: BCCI/IPLT20.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2019/04/af259-15556928427069-800.jpg?w=500)
The Rajasthan Royals will take on the Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur for the first match of a double header on April 20th. The IPL is entering its most important phase where the battle for the playoffs spot heats up and every result makes an impact on on the qualification scenario for each team.
The Royals last come off a loss to the Kings XI Punjab away from home and will look to rule the roost on their slow home track. Mumbai, meanwhile will be high on confidence after a brilliant bowling effort saw them beat the Delhi Capitals away from home. Hardik Pandya's brilliant form towards the end of the innings will be a huge positive for them.
This is a must-win game for RR who are stagnant at 7th place in the points table with 2 wins from 8 games and need to keep winning if they harbor hopes of making it to the playoffs. Mumbai, meanwhile have looked good since their 2nd match and are on the right track to making it to the playoffs and are in 2nd place in the points table.
This game is a crucial one for both the teams and let's take a look at who seem to be the favorites ahead of this fixture.
If RR bat first
Batting in Jaipur in the hot evening conditions won't be an easy job but the pitch will certainly be better than what it normally does. Not much of turn can be expected and the ball will hold up on the surface and if Jos Buttler gets a good start, their other batsmen can capitalize and make a big score. They will want to come good in front of their home fans and can make 160-180 runs on this wicket.
Their bowling attack is decent but they need to employ the right bowlers to stop the rampant MI middle order who go bonkers in the death overs.
If MI bat first
Mumbai's openers have blown hot and cold this season but have looked in good touch in the last couple of games. De Kock has been the pick of the two but he has to work hard on a slow surface where the ball won't come on to the bat. Their middle order, however bodes well for them and if they have wickets in hand, their batsmen can power them easily to a total of 170-190 runs.
They will hope that their bowling unit will be able to remove the dangerous Jos Buttler early and not let him loose like they did in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Who will win?
Both the teams are in contrasting states of mind and RR seem unsettled about their team combination and selecting their overseas players will be a problem. Though the Royals have the home advantage, Mumbai Indians are a good team in excellent form and they can be backed to get another win in this match.