Blog

IPL 2024: Punjab Kings Vs Mumbai Indians

PBKS Vs MI – It’s a clash of equals in the 33rd match of IPL 2024 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mohali. Both teams, currently languishing in the lower half of the points table, are desperate for a win.

Similar Struggles:

• Both PBKS and MI have just two wins from six matches.
• They’ve each suffered four losses.
• Even their net run rates are close, with PBKS having a slight edge.

A Turning Point Opportunity:

A big win for either side can propel them to the coveted fifth spot in the standings.

Bounce Back Needed:

• MI fell short against CSK in their previous match.
• PBKS suffered a heart-breaking loss to RR.

Star Power on Display:

Expect fireworks with big names like Rohit Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, and Jasprit Bumrah taking the field.

This match promises to be a close encounter between two teams hungry for a turnaround.

PBKS Vs MI: Weather/ Pitch Report

There will be clouds in the sky on April 18 at Mullanpur. However, they will clear up as the evening progresses. The temperatures will be between 29 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Mohali’s Pitch: A Test of Grit for Batsmen, Paradise for Bowlers

Get ready for a bowlers’ battle at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mohali! This pitch is notorious for its slow and challenging nature.

Batters Beware:

• Runs won’t come easy. Batsmen will need to rely on brilliant shot-making to score.

Bowlers Rejoice:

• Accurate bowling with good line and length is key. The pitch itself will offer assistance.

Toss Less Crucial:

• Unlike some grounds, the toss might not be a huge advantage here. The wicket stays consistent throughout the match.

This surface promises a contest where bowlers call the shots, making it a crucial test for the batting lineups of both MI and PBKS.

PBKS Vs MI: Predicted Playing XI

Punjab Kings

Shikhar Dhawan (C), JM Bairstow, P Simran Singh, SM Curran, JM Sharma (wk), LS Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, K Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, HV Patel

Mumbai Indians

Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma, SA Yadav, Tilak Varma, HH Pandya (C), Mohammad Nabi, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, G Coetzee, Shreyas Gopal, JJ Bumrah

PBKS Vs MI: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks

Mumbai Indians Batting Trio: A Blend of Boom and X-Factor

Ishan Kishan (WK):

• The explosive opener has been providing fiery starts, setting a solid platform for the middle order.
• His wicketkeeping skills have been impressive against both pace and spin.

Rohit Sharma (BAT):

• After a long dry spell, Rohit Sharma is back with a bang! His first IPL century in 12 years showcases his return to form.
• He can be both aggressive at the top and a dependable anchor in case of wickets falling, like in the CSK match.

Suryakumar Yadav (BAT):

• An enigma wrapped in brilliance! Surya’s 18-ball century against RCB displayed his unmatched talent.
• However, consistency is a concern, with two ducks in the other matches.
• But his unorthodox style makes him a game-changer, and it’s hard to keep him out for long.

PBKS Vs MI: Top Player Picks

Rising Star Vs Established Stalwarts: Young Guns Take on the Best

Tilak Varma (MI – BAT):

• This young southpaw has been a consistent performer for MI in recent seasons.
• He offers a well-rounded skillset, capable of both aggressive strokeplay and anchoring the innings.
• While bowling isn’t his primary role with the impact player rule, his handy off-spin adds another dimension to his game.

Kagiso Rabada (PBKS – BOWL):

• A proven wicket-taker in the IPL, Rabada has a knack for picking up crucial scalps even when conceding runs.
• His past success at Mullanpur makes him a key bowler for PBKS considering the pitch’s assistance to pacers.

Jasprit Bumrah (MI – BOWL):

• The world’s premier fast bowler, Bumrah has been in stellar form this season, stifling batsmen with his accuracy and pace.
• A wicket-taking threat as well, Bumrah could be particularly deadly on a bowler-friendly surface like Mullanpur.

This match promises an exciting contest between the experience of Rabada and Bumrah, and the rising talent of Tilak Varma.

PBKS Vs MI: Dark Horse Picks

Under-the-Radar Players Who Can Make a Difference:

Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS – WK/BAT):

• A versatile player, Prabhsimran can provide valuable support to the top order with his aggressive batting.
• He can also fill in as a wicketkeeper if needed, offering flexibility to the team.

Harpreet Brar (PBKS – BOWL):

• While his recent form hasn’t been consistent, Harpreet’s economical left-arm spin bowling could be a game-changer, especially against a batting line-up dominated by right-handers, like MI’s.

Shreyas Gopal (MI – ALL):

• A match-winner on his day, Shreyas Gopal’s leg-spin can wreak havoc on opposition batsmen.
• After a quiet few years, he’s shown promise in his limited outings for MI this season.

These relatively unheralded players have the potential to steal the show if given the opportunity. Their performances could be crucial in determining the outcome of this close encounter.

PBKS Vs MI: Dream11, Team 1, Small League & H2H

Wicket-keepers: Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan

Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma

All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Hardik Pandya, Sam Curran, Romario Shepherd

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Captain First-Choice: Suryakumar Yadav || Captain Second-Choice: Ishan Kishan

Vice-Captain First-Choice: Liam Livingstone || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Jasprit Bumrah

PBKS Vs MI: Dream11, Team 2, Grand League

Wicket-keepers: Jonny Bairstow, Ishan Kishan

Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma

All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Hardik Pandya, Sam Curran, Romario Shepherd

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Captain First-Choice: Rohit Sharma || Captain Second-Choice: Hardik Pandya

Vice-Captain First-Choice: Sam Curran || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Jonny Bairstow

Who Could Win?

While both PBKS and MI have had a bumpy road so far, here’s why Mumbai Indians might have a slight edge:

• Batting Power: Rohit Sharma’s return to form and the explosiveness of Ishan Kishan at the top give MI a strong starting base.
• Bowling Prowess: Jasprit Bumrah’s in-form pace attack, coupled with a potential spin threat from Shreyas Gopal, could be well-suited to the bowler-friendly Mohali pitch.

This isn’t to say it’s a guaranteed win for MI. PBKS has its own weapons, and the match promises to be a close fight. But on paper, Mumbai Indians appear to have a slight advantage.

Read More:

https://cricketinfo.blog/with-several-talented-wicketkeeper-batsmen-in-contention-ponting-chooses-rishabh-pant-as-his-clear-favorite-for-the-world-cup/