Mumbai Indians (MI) held their composure to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to register their first win of this Indian Premier League (IPL). They three-times IPL champions will look to carry on the winning momentum when they face Kings XI Punjab on March 30 (Saturday) at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Mumbai banked on their fast bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat. This will give the side the required confidence going forward into the tournament. Also, the late cameo from Hardik Pandya boosted the morale of the side at the halfway stage. Mumbai Indians had a lot of positives to take away from the game and they will aim to bank on that in upcoming matches.
Rohit Sharma & Co is unlikely to change their winning combination from the last game as the management won’t want to break the momentum of the side.
Date and Venue: March 30 (Saturday), Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Here is the predicted playing XI of Mumbai Indians from match 9 of IPL 2019 against Kings XI Punjab at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali:
ROHIT SHARMA
Rohit Sharma got Mumbai Indians off to a good start in the last game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His form will be a massive boost for the franchise going in the long run of the tournament.
QUINTON DE KOCK
The South African wicket-keeper has got starts in both the games. Quinton de Kock can play shos all around the park, and a big score is on the cards. Mumbai Indians will want their star opener to get some runs under the belt as they aim to continue the winning run.
SURYAKUMAR YADAV
Suryakumar Yadav had an excellent IPL last season and has carried the form to this edition. Batting at no 3, he will be pivotal in shaping the innings and set the tone for the batsmen to follow.
YUVRAJ SINGH
The form of Yuvraj Singh has been a massive advantage for Mumbai Indians. The southpaw has struck the ball brilliantly so far in the tournament. Yuvraj will look to continue his form going into the league.
KIERON POLLARD
The big Windies cricketer is yet to fire in this IPL. However, Kieron Pollard has been the backbone of the Mumbai Indians’ set up, and the franchise will want him to hit the strides soon. Pollard can contribute in all the three departments and is a veteran in the format.
KRUNAL PANDYA
Krunal Pandya has performed consistently for the franchise and even made his debut for the India side based on his performance in this league. Pandya will have the job to contain runs in the middle over and also chip in with some crucial runs in the middle order.
HARDIK PANDYA
Hardik Pandya showed why he is so highly rated among the all-rounder around the world. He played a late cameo in the end which became the difference between both the side. Pandya, who was the centre of a controversy recently, will look to focus on his cricket and prepare for the ICC World Cup.
MITCHELL McCLENAGHAN
Mitchell McClenaghan went for the plenty in the last game. However, he has the experience to bounce back, and the Mumbai franchise will want him to make a strong come back in the next game.
MAYANK MARKANDE
Mayank Markande made an immediate impact and getting back into the playing XI. The leg-spinner is an exciting talent and will aim to carry the good form deep into the tournament. The young cricketer also has a few variations up his sleeves which will come handy for the franchise.
JASPRIT BUMRAH
Jasprit Bumrah produced a stellar performance in the last game keeping AB de Villiers in check to win the game for his side. The star pacer needs to continue this form if Mumbai Indians want to progress further in the tournament.
LASITH MALINGA
The veteran fast bowler was expensive up front but bowled an outstanding last over to seal the deal. Lasith Malinga once again proved his worth in this format of the game and Rohit Sharma & Co will bank on him to win more games.