Mumbai Indians will host the Rajasthan Royals in the 47th match of the IPL 2018. Rohit Sharma-led team has kept their playoffs hopes alive by winning their last three games.
Three times champions have risen from the Ashes to keep themselves breathing in the tournament. The hosts have won five matches out of the eleven they have played so far.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals are also on the same boat, as Mumbai Indians. Ajinkya Rahane-led team has also won five matches which makes this contest pivotal in the playoffs race. However, reigning champions have a better Net Run Rate which can come in handy.
When these two teams had met early in the season, Rajasthan Royals was able to win by three wickets. K Gowtham had got Royals out off the troubled waters. The all-rounder had smashed 33 off just 11 balls when Royals was behind the eight ball.
For the Mumbai Indians, they have completed a hat-trick of wins. Thus, their confidence would be sky high and reigning champions will like to continue their impetus.
For the Rajasthan Royals, Jos Buttler is in prolific form. The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored four consecutive half-centuries. However, he hasn’t received support from the other end. It is pivotal that other batsmen also contribute. Furthermore, Rajasthan’s middle order has struggled to get going in the tournament.
For the Mumbai Indians, Ishan Kishan played a blistering knock of 62 runs off just 21 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. Consequently, wicketkeepers of both the teams are in fine form with the bat.
Pitch Report: Wankhede is always known to be a run-fest. However, it is not the same trend in this edition. Mumbai will like to take advantage of their home ground.
Weather Forecast: Mumbai temperature is going to stay around the 32 Degree Celsius. However, the high humidity of 70% will make life difficult for the players.
Head to Head: Mumbai holds its wood in Rajasthan in the head to head encounters, as they have won ten matches while Royals have won seven. At the Wankhede Stadium, defending champions have won four while the visitors have won a solitary contest.
Mumbai Indians Predicted XI: Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan (wk), JP Duminy, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Markande.
Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Ankit Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Ish Sodhi.