Probable playing XI of MI v KKR:
Mumbai Indians’ Probable Playing XI:
Lendle Simmons, Parthiv Patel, Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan, J Suchit
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Probable Playing XI:
Gautam Gambhir (c), Robin Uthappa (wk), Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Suryakumar Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel/Brad Hogg, Umesh Yadav.
The Game
In the most important match Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankedhe Stadium, Mumbai from 8.00 PM onwards. Mumbai Indians lost their previous match by 39 runs giving away 235 runs picking 1 wicket against Royal Challengers Bangalore, whereas, Kolkata Knight Riders,on the other hand, are second on the points table and will be eager to go to the first place in points table after today’s match. In the previous encounter between the two this year, Kolkata won the match at Eden Gardens despite Rohit Sharma’s valiant 98 runs.
Previous clash
In this year’s IPL these two teams met in the first match of the tournament on the 8th April at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and elected to field. Mumbai Indians lost 3 early wickets but Rohit Sharma and Corey Anderson rescued the innings and put up 131 fourth wicket stand. Rohit Sharma was not out 98 and Corey Anderson remained not out on 55. Mumbai Indians scored 168 for 3 in 20 overs. While chasing Kolkata Knight Riders lost the early wicket of Uthappa but Gambhir and Manish Pandey steadied the innings with a 85 second wicket partnership. Gambhir scored 57 while Manish Pandey scored 40. Suryakumar Yadav hit a qucikfire 46 to help Kolkata win the match. KKR won the match by 7 wickets with 9 balls to spare.
Key Players
Lendle Simmons
In the previous match against Royal Challengers Bangalore when Mumbai Indians had to chase a massive total of 236 he was playing the sheet anchor role of playing the entire innings. He scored 68 off 53 balls and remained not out but it was not enough for Mumbai Indians to get a victory. Against Kolkata Knight Riders his role is give a flying start and lay a foundation for other batsmen to build upon a huge total.
Lasith Malinga
He has been the go to man for Mumbai Indians. In the previous match against RCB he began very well getting Chris Gayle out. When De Villers and Kohli were smashing the Mumbai Indians bowlers Malinga was the economical bowler giving 27 runs in 4 overs. Against KKR he needs to rise to the occasion and pick early wickets to put pressure on the KKR batting line.
Andre Russell
Andre Russell has been the man in form for KKR in the tournament. He comes and just hits the ball from ball one. In the previous match against Kings XI Punjab, KKR were chasing a target of 184,Russell came and hit 51 off 21 and helped KKR to win the match. With the ball too he picked 1 wicket but was too expensive. Against Mumbai Indians his role is to create pressure with the bat with his big hitting and also ensure that KKR wins the match.
Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine is an important member in the KKR squad. He is mystery spinner and it has been difficult to read his varities. Against Kings XI Punjab he picked 4 wickets giving away only 19 runs. Against Mumbai Indians, the role of Narine becomes much more crucial as this the knockout match for MI.