MI vs GL Match Prediction: Who will win today’s battle between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016 Match 9

Mumbai Indians will face in-form Gujarat Lions in the 9th match of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai later today. Mumbai who lost their first match at the same venue then travelled to Kolkata and won the game quite easily. Chasing a touch target of 188, Mumbai Indians showed their batting class as Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler played well. Their confidence would be high and playing at home has always been an advantage for Mumbai. Gujarat Lions have been superb in their opening two matches and would look to continue their good form.

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Wankhede pitch has always been true and the batsmen can expect a good bounce as the ball comes on to the bat nicely. The small ground makes scoring runs easy and a lot of runs are scored in the first six overs. Although it is a batting wicket, the team which bowls the best, always wins.

Who can win today’s IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Lions

If Mumbai Indians bat first:
Rohit Sharma has been the main man for Mumbai Indians for many seasons now and the captain, who opens the innings has scored well in the last match and would look to do the same today. It would be interesting to see if Martin Guptill, who came in as a replacement for injured Lendl Simmons, gets a game or no.

Hardik Pandya, who has been batting at number 3 in the two matches, has to start scoring runs. Jos Buttler showed his hitting talent in the last match as he blasted 41 runs in just 22 balls which helped his team reach the target. Mumbai Indians have a settled middle order with Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu next. If the batsmen have a good day, a total in excess of 180 can be set.

Corey Anderson has been left out for the first two matches and it would be interesting to see if he is included as he gives the option of an all-rounder. Talking about the bowling, Mumbai Indians have a good attack but taking wickets will be the main concern. They are definitely missing Lasith Malinga but the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan and Tim Southee are doing well. A lot will depend on Harbhajan Singh as he is the most experienced bowler for the Mumbai Indians.

If Gujarat Lions bat first:
The new side looks good on paper and plays better on the field. Gujarat Lions have a well-balanced side with Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum scoring fast runs at the top. Aaron Finch would be the key guy for Gujarat Lions again. Suresh Raina showed signs of coming back to form with his run-a-ball 24 in the last game and Raina would look to express himself in the batting friendly conditions of Mumbai.

Lions have the firepower which is required in the end overs with Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and James Faulkner who can hit the ball very far. They have been chasing the targets of 160 easily and if Lions bat first, they can score up to 180-190.

Inclusion of Pravin Tambe in the last match was an excellent move as the leggie picked up two wickets for 33 runs. Dwayne Bravo has been excellent with his death bowling and his 4 overs would be the most crucial during the chase. Other bowlers like James Faulkner and Praveen Kumar have to take wickets and help the team’s cause. Ravindra Jadeja also has to keep it tight if Gujarat Lions wish to win their third consecutive match.