In match number nine of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ravichandran Ashwin-led Kings XI Punjab will start of their home campaign at their fortress PCA Stadium, Mohali on scorching Saturday afternoon against Mumbai. Before shedding light on weather forecast regarding the KXIP vs MI clash, we have a lot to discuss for this exciting contest. Both teams have won a game out of two they’ve played so far.
The hosts KXIP won their opener against hosts Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 14 runs in Jaipur on Monday (March 25). Hard-hitting sensation Chris Gayle shone with the bat. He scored quickfire 47-ball 79 to bag Player of the Match award.
On the other side, he was equally supported by Sarfaraz Khan 46* (29). Royals managed to post 179 for nine in their 20 overs.
Apart from the Mankading controversy, visitors bowlers not only bowled accurate line and length but kept picking wickets at regular intervals. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ankit Rajpoot and Sam Curran bagged two wickets each, as Jos Buttler’s 69 (43) wicket turned out to remain the debate for rest of the time.
In the second game. they were blown away by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 28 runs despite good outing with the bat.
On the other sides, Indians lost their tournament opener by 37 runs at Wankhede. They have made somewhat a notable comeback against Bengaluru franchise.
The former champions aim high with Rohit Sharma at the helm of affairs. He alongside Quinton de Kock has given a resounding start to Mumbai, as other batters have delivered in patches.
Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh hitting some form is a positive sign to look at for Mumbai camp. And why not this is his first stint with three-time champions.
KXIP won’t like to spoil it early on –
The Punjab-based franchise had a dream start last season and they had a nightmare following consecutive losses in the IPL 2019. Anyway, this time the batters have shown promise and they have the potential to make opponents think a lot.
MI looking for a show:
Indians might have a bad start at their den but they’ve their all bases covered which has stood as one of the positives for the team. While having attacking batsmen at the top like KXIP, Mumbai would want plenty for their senior campaigner and Sri Lankan recruits Lasith Malinga.
The old-horse has been known for intimidating batsmen with his sheer pace and what means him lethal is his death bowling.
With Mumbai winning the game by six runs against RCB, the credit goes to Jasprit Bumrah with a ball in hand. He has bagged three scalps to derail RCB’s run-chase.
Date & Venue: March 30 (Saturday) at the PCA Stadium in Mohali
Weather Forecast:
It’s going to be very hot at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. With KXIP hosting their first-ever game at the home venue, the temperature would hover around 34-degree centigrade. Well, the minimum temperature will be 18 in the night and that’s a different case.
Even though the PCA surface has a lot of runs on an offer. However, the spinners would also have an opportunity to tangle batsmen. With the humidity of 39 per cent which doesn’t seem to bother players during the entire game.
The wind will blow at 11 kph with precipitation game reading 20 per cent.