LSG vs MI Match Prediction: Who will win today's IPL 2024 match?
Mayank Yadav's impending return headlines what's set to be a pivotal clash in IPL 2024, with the Mumbai Indians (MI) taking on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Tuesday, April 30.
With only three wins from nine matches, Hardik Pandya and company are staring at elimination. They need to put together a series of wins to stay alive, and that's easier said than done against an LSG side that's fifth in the standings.
Boosted by the availability of their express quick, the Super Giants will have an eye on moving past the SunRisers Hyderabad and the Chennai Super Kings in the points table.
It hasn't been a smooth season for Lucknow despite their position in the top half of the standings. They notched up a couple of victories over CSK to march up the table, but a loss to the Rajasthan Royals, and a comprehensive one at that, dented their momentum.
However, LSG will take heart from the fact that irrespective of how hot and cold their campaign has been, MI's has been worse. The five-time champions have been embarrassingly poor at times, with Hardik in particular coming under fire for a variety of reasons.
KL Rahul and his men also know a thing or two about beating Mumbai, having triumphed in three of their four clashes to date. Can LSG dash MI's playoff hopes, or will the away side come up with a fighting performance?
IPL 2024, LSG vs MI Win Probability: Home team start as favorites, but Mumbai can't be counted out
The relaid pitches at the Ekana Stadium have a touch of versatility among them, with the red and black soil wickets throwing up contrasting challenges. A slow wicket can be expected on Tuesday, given MI's strengths and the fact that their spin attack has barely any weight in it.
Nevertheless, KL Rahul will be wary of the fact that his batting unit isn't entirely equipped to make the most of such a surface. If Nicholas Pooran is dismissed cheaply, the likes of Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis could struggle to get going.
Deepak Hooda's re-emergence has boosted LSG's fortunes, but their batting unit simply hasn't been convincing enough. And if Jasprit Bumrah could strike a couple of key blows, the Super Giants might be under the pump.
Meanwhile, Mayank's return will ask serious questions of the MI middle order, but it's in the bowling department the five-time champions have work to do. Nuwan Thushara and Gerald Coetzee, if he's fit to play, will need to step up and support Bumrah.
Piyush Chawla has been in acceptable form since returning to the side, while Mohammad Nabi is a canny operator who should be able to shackle De Kock and Co. If the spinners have a good outing for MI, their batting might take them over the line.
LSG are the certain favorites, but MI could fashion an upset if Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma make the most of the powerplay. The Mumbai openers are due, and up against a Lucknow pace attack that isn't known for its new-ball threat, they could deliver.
This might turn out to be a terrible call, but Mumbai could just manage to pull off an unprecedented victory.
Prediction: MI to win Match 48 of IPL 2024