IPL 2021: MI vs PBKS preview: Mumbai in search of desperate win against a determined Punjab
Mumbai Indians has not tasted success in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. As it finds its playoffs grip slipping away, it takes on a determined Punjab Kings in Abu Dhabi.
FollowIt has not been a trip to remember for defending champion Mumbai Indians (MI), having not won a game in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. As it continues its search for a win, it would take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 42 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday while we present the match preview.
Current form
MI has secured just four wins from the ten matches so far and is coming off an embarrassing 54-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). As for PBKS, it too has four from ten but is placed fifth, based on a better net run-rate.
"
Team composition
As for the teams, MI relies quite an extent on its bowling, as it possesses a heavy star power. However, the star power is evenly distributed among its batters as well. Nevertheless, now that it is underperforming, the focus would move to the stars like skipper Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
For SRH, it too is heavy on its bowling. Nonetheless, its batting line-up has been praiseworthy, with much star power, providing a hopeful SRH bowling attack with some relief. The likes of skipper KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Shami would again be in attention.
Injury concerns: None of the sides has any injury concerns.
LIVE SCORECARD: IPL 2021 - MI vs PBKS
Head-to-head
The two sides have clashed on 27 occasions, with MI merely leading 14-13. Of the two games in UAE, both have won apiece, while the only clash in Abu Dhabi saw MI triumph.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Abu Dhabi would be hot, with a temperature of around 36 degrees and 59% humidity. As for the track, it has been aiding batters, as winning the toss and batting would be a great idea.
"
Probable XI
MI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Adam Milne, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
PBKS: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Aiden Markram, Nathan Ellis, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Harpreet Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
Fantasy XI
Batters: Rohit, Pollard, Agarwal (vc), Shadab- Rohit is to give the right start, while Mayank can do the same at number three, and being in form makes the latter the deputy skipper. Meanwhile, Pollard and Shadab would consolidate in the middle-order.
Wicketkeeper: Rahul (c)- The man in form, a no-brainer and our skipper.
All-rounder: Krunal- He is the only all-rounder in some decent form and is expected to fire in any department.
Bowlers: Shami, Boult, Bumrah, Chahar, Arshdeep- The four pacers have been consistent and are sure to dominate, while Chahar has been impactful with his spin on any track.
Match details
Date and day: September 28, 2021 (Tuesday)
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
