In a match that is expected to be high scoring, both teams are high on confidence. Mumbai Indians after losing their first home game bounced back very well to beat KKR in their home. On the other hand is Gujarat Lions who have both their home games by beating Kings XI Punjab and Rising Pune Supergiants with ease.
It will be exciting to see if Mumbai Indians can stop the winning run from the new team and continue their successful run at home or will the Raina lead Lions will once again be the final one to roar. Mumbai Indians squad will have boost with the inclusion of Matin Guptill into the squad, Lions have already struck a good balance their domestic and international players. Before we talk about the important numbers to look out for in this match, here’s a tweet that explains why the inclusion of Guptill into the MI squad will give a boost, take a look –
Paltan, let's welcome @Martyguptill to Mumbai Indians & IPL! #DilSeIndian pic.twitter.com/QiLw0pZOB5
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 15, 2016
Important numbers to look out for:
Chase to Win: This year the motto of winning the match in Wankhede Stadium is to win the toss and say ‘I choose to field’. Of the 12 T20 matches played in this historic ground, ten have been won by the chasing side. Seven of those 10 matches have had a target of over 160 runs.
Battle of the newlyweds: Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina got married recently in this match we can see a battle between the newlyweds. Bhajji has dismissed Raina 4 times in IPL, the most he has any batsmen.
Champion likes Purple: Dwayne Bravo has picked up the most number of wickets against Mumbai Indians when compared to other teams in IPL. He has 23 wickets in 11 matches against the Men in Blue. With such a good record, he would definitely be looking to get back the purple cap – currently held by Amit Mishra with 5 wickets in 2 matches.
Finch on a role: With 2 fifties in two matches, Finch will look to continue his good form and make firm hold on the Orange Cap which he currently has.
3500 run mark: Rohit Sharma is just 24 runs short to become the 2nd player in the history of IPL to cross the 3500 run mark. Only other player to do so will be the captain from the opposition i.e. Suresh Raina.
All stats updated till 15 April 15, 2016.
Players to look out for:
Opening Partnership of Lions – McCullum and Finch together make a fiery combination when it comes to the shortest format of the game. If they get going no target is big enough for them.
Jasprit Bumrah – In the absence of Lasith Malinga, this would be one of the strongest batting line-ups he would come across in this tournament apart from RCB. A lot will be expected of this young lad to contain the hard hitters of Lions.
Time for Pollard show – He has been away from International cricket for some time and that is one reason why we haven’t witnessed the Pollard show yet. Probably the presence of Bravo on the other side can do the trick?