Last Updated on 11 months ago by Charbel Coorey

IPL 2020 Match 45: RR vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Both Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians will be keen for a win at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, but for different reasons. For the up-and-down Royals, a win will keep their playoff hopes alive, as they play both KKR and KXIP in their final two games. For MI, the four-time IPL champions, a win here will all-but-seal a top two finish, given their remarkable net run rate of +1.448.

There is an argument to suggest that MI are playing even better cricket than in their Title-winning season in 2019. They have won all their games pretty comfortably, with their latest being an almighty thumping of Chennai Super Kings by 10 wickets on Friday. Incredibly, their only two defeats since their opening day loss to CSK have been in Super Overs, and the most successful IPL side will be looking to continue the momentum.

Things aren’t as royal for the Royals. After 11 games, they are still yet to find their perfect batting combinations, with Ben Stokes yet to justify his move to opener. So, a swap with Jos Buttler – who has an excellent record vs MI – could be the answer, with Stokes, or even David Miller, to slot into the middle order. Indeed, the time is now for RR to produce the goods, as time is running out.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• As mentioned, Jos Buttler has a terrific record for RR against MI. He has struck 259 runs against them at an average of 86.33, with a strike rate of 175. Crucial player today.
• RR should be batting Buttler at opener. In 31 IPL knocks at opener, Buttler has struck 1,179 runs at an average of 40.66 and SR 157.41. In other positions (4, 5, 6), Buttler has hit 478 runs at an average of 25.15.
• Quinton de Kock is in rare form. After a slow start to IPL 2020, de Kock has hit 67, 23, 53, 78*, 53 and 46* in his last six innings at a strike rate of 150.
• If Rohit Sharma sits out this game as well, MI have a capable replacement in Ishan Kishan. The left-hander is coming off a dominant 68* off 37 balls last game vs CSK.
• Suryakumar Yadav smashed 79* (47) vs Royals on this ground a few weeks ago. Yadav has scored 239 runs for MI at an average of 59.75 at a strike rate of 142.26.
• The battle between the MI top order and Jofra Archer will be key. Archer has taken 10 wickets in five games vs MI, but RR rely too much on the fast bowler. If MI see him out with no damage, they can capitalise on the other bowlers.
• Sanju Samson has had a disappointing season given the amazing start he made (113 runs in last eight knocks). RR desperately needs Samson to perform here. He has the most runs of any player in RR-MI matches, with 431 runs at an average of 33.15 (SR 143.19).
• Can Hardik Pandya play a big role in this game? He strikes at 177.94 in five games vs RR (121 runs, avg. 40.33). His partner in crime, Kieron Pollard, doesn’t have his best record vs RR (351 runs, avg. 25.07, SR 138.19), but has not been dismissed in IPL 2020 since the opening game against CSK (SR 200).
• A lot depends on Steve Smith, too. The RR skipper has had an up-and-down tournament, but one can back him to perform well today as he has a solid record vs MI (avg. 46.4 – his best average against any team).
• How good was Trent Boult against CSK? He is coming off 4/18, has 16 wickets in IPL 2020, and will be a big threat again today given RR’s batting troubles in the powerplay overs.
• His pace partner, Jasprit Bumrah, will also be key. The Indian star has 17 wickets in 10 matches in IPL 2020, including 4/20 vs RR earlier this season. Also, Bumrah has 10 wickets in his last five games, and has gone at under seven an over in each of those games.
• Rahul Chahar has bowled beautifully at Abu Dhabi this season: 1/36, 2/26, 2/26, 1/24, 0/27 and 2/18.
• Shreyas Gopal has not had the tournament expected of him (seven wickets in 11 games), but took 2/28 vs MI earlier this season.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 24, RR 11, MI 12, 1 abandoned.
• Before this season, RR had won the past four games against MI. But, MI bounced back earlier this season, beating RR comfortably.
• Rahul Tewatia will be key for RR. He has hit 224 runs in 10 innings in IPL 2020, at an average of 44.80 and SR 143.58.
• Jofra Archer has taken one-third (15) of RR’s 45 wickets this season. Incredibly, 11 of those wickets have been top three batsmen.
• Ben Stokes has scored 110 runs in 103 balls as opener in IPL 2020, without a six.
• Shreyas Gopal to Quinton de Kock? Gopal has bowled 28 balls to de Kock, conceding just 18 runs with one dismissal.
• Mumbai Indians have won their past five games at Abu Dhabi, after losing to CSK in the tournament’s first match.

Possible Playing 11

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Robin Uthappa, 2. Jos Buttler, 3. Sanju Samson (wk), 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Ben Stokes/David Miller, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Ankit Rajpoot, 11. Kartik Tyagi

Also read: Can Rajasthan Royals qualify for the playoffs? Here is what they need to do

Mumbai Indians: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Ishan Kishan, 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Saurabh Tiwary, 5. Kieron Pollard (c), 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Rahul Chahar, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Abu Dhabi Pitch and Weather Report

The chasing team has won four of the last six games at Abu Dhabi. KKR had success yesterday batting first, but that was a day game with no dew. MI has had success in setting a score (three wins out of four) and chasing a score (two wins out of two) on this ground in IPL 2020, which makes this game a real challenge for RR.

Dream11 Prediction

Also read: How to create multiple teams in Dream11 and its benefit

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Rajasthan have caused trouble for Mumbai in recent seasons, but MI look super strong this season. MI are favourites to win this match, and should do so.

Thanks for reading!