Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
IPL 2019: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11. Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders Preview Dream11 Prediction
The final game of the IPL league stage will decide who makes the playoffs and who finishes where. With the Wankhede hosting a game between two powerful sides, with an all-time IPL record of 874 sixes, anything can happen.
Mumbai Indians have qualified for the playoffs. However, this does not mean this is a game to relax. They will finish in the top two if they win tonight, which gives them a maximum of two shots at making the Final. They lost an absolute thriller in Kolkata last week, and there is no doubt that they will have to put out a few fireworks once again. Can they cope with KKR’s power men better than they did when they conceded an IPL 2019 record 232?
The equation is also very simple for Kolkata Knight Riders: win and enjoy the playoffs. SRH’s loss in Bengaluru last night has opened the door right up for KKR, who looked close to gone after six straight losses. Their win against MI ended the losing streak, which they followed up with a fine victory against KXIP. Their batting, with Shubman Gill and Chris Lynn a fine opening partnership, is mighty dangerous. However, can their up-and-down bowling hold up in Mumbai?
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Key to a MI win
Can MI pick up an early wicket or two? KKR have finally realised that Shubman Gill’s best position is opener, and they have been rewarded with two straight wins. Gill has three fifties in four innings as an IPL opener, so the battle between he and MI’s pace bowlers makes for intriguing viewing. Also, with Chris Lynn in dangerous form, MI need to find ways to restrict the scoring a lot better than they did in Kolkata. Can the likes of Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah restrict the incredible Andre Russell? Is the short pitched delivery the way to go, mixed in with yorkers? A great battle awaits.
Also, the battle between MI’s top order and KKR’s is a key one. MI’s top four was comprehensively outplayed in their previous defeat to KKR, with Hardik Pandya giving them a chance with an incredible 91 off 34 balls. There is no better time than now for skipper Rohit Sharma, who has had an underwhelming tournament, to deliver the goods against an inconsistent KKR attack. With Quinton de Kock in good form, and Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav (if both picked) capable, MI need to set a platform for the high-flying Hardik Pandya to take KKR apart.
Key to a KKR win
There is no doubt about it: KKR’s top order has a new lease of life. Shubman Gill is now being utilised properly by KKR, and he is delivering the goods, showcasing incredible strokeplay. He and Lynn complement each other nicely, and a strong start from these two can enable KKR to put Andre Russell further up the order. Russell scored an outstanding 80 off 40 balls last time out vs MI, and KKR need the same with a playoffs spot up for grabs. Can the likes of Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa also contribute to the cause if needed?
However, KKR’s bowling, particularly at the death, is a worry. Sam Curran took them apart at the death last game, and KKR ended up conceding 180+ when less than 170 looked on the cards. With Hardik Pandya at the helm for MI, KKR have to get this side of their game spot on in such a crucial game. But, they can limit his impact if they can win the powerplay and middle overs against MI. With Rohit Sharma not in his best form, KKR have an opportunity to pounce early, and then make MI work hard in the middle overs. All to play for.
Possible Playing 11
MI: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Evin Lewis/Ishan Kishan, 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. Kieron Pollard, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Rahul Chahar, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Lasith Malinga, 11. Barinder Sran/Beuran Hendricks
KKR: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Robbie Uthappa, 4. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 5. Andre Russell, 6. Nitish Rana, 7. Rinku Singh, 8. Sunil Narine, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Harry Gurney, 11. Sandeep Warrier
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- If MI win, they will finish second. If KKR win, they will finish fourth and then play MI in the Eliminator.
- KKR have had their powerplay problems this season. When they concede at least nine an over at this stage, they have lost all three games.
- Andre Russell needs 34 to reach 5,000 T20 runs.
- Rohit Sharma is set to play his 150th match for MI.
Match Prediction
What a game. Can’t wait for this.
Who will handle the pressure better?
I think MI have the players to win the crunch moments (i.e. Bumrah), especially with the ball. I will pick them to win a very tight match.
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