IPL 2018, Match 50, Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab - Match Prediction

It will be a knockout clash for both teams as Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) lock horns in the 50^th match of Vivo Indian Premier League’s season 11.

Mumbai have been the most unlucky side in the tournament so far. The string of last over defeats eventually haunted them. Mumbai now needs to win both their remaining games and pray that the other results go their way.

However their only positive is that they have the most superior Net Run-Rate in the tournament which might help them if they go on to win the remaining two clashes.

Punjab, on the other hand, played some quality cricket to begin the tournament. However, five defeats in the last six matches have really put them under severe pressure.

After suffering a huge defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab has to win their remaining couple of matches to progress through the playoffs. They have been overly reliant on KL Rahul, who has been quite spectacular in the tournament so far.

Rahul has got Punjab off to flying starts on most of the occasions. His partner Chris Gayle started off with a few sensational innings. However, his form has dipped substantially which has gone on to affect the franchise.

The middle order hasn’t risen to the occasion which hasn’t provided the much-needed stability in the middle order. They have kept chopping and changing. However, the combinations haven’t quite worked out in the last few games.

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Mumbai, on the other hand, lost their 7^th encounter of the tournament against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) the other day. They came into the match with three consecutive victories.

However, they couldn’t quite continue their winning run. It was special innings from Rajasthan’s wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler, who remained unbeaten on 95 to help Royals’ chase down the total of 169 with utmost comfort in the end. The bowlers were all over the park and couldn’t quite defend the total of 168.

The batting department has been pretty settled for the three-time champions. Despite the defeat in the last match, they will definitely back themselves to win their remaining couple of games.

Even if they win there are certain calculations which need to go their way. The tournament is wide open till now and we can expect a crackerjack of a contest on Wednesday (May 10) evening.

Team Combination –

Mumbai Indians:

Mumbai Indians are expected to retain the same playing XI despite the defeat in the previous encounter against Royals.

Predicted XI: Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, JP Duminy, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah.

Kings XI Punjab:

There is still no update on Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s wrist injury which kept him out of the previous game. If Mujeeb is fit to play, Marcus Stoinis is expected to make way. The rest of the playing XI is also expected to retain the same team despite a string of losses.

Predicted XI: Lokesh Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma/Barinder Sran, Ankit Rajpoot.

Match Prediction:

Mumbai played some quality cricket in the last few games barring the defeat in the last game against Rajasthan.

On the other hand, Punjab has been rolled over by most teams in their last few matches. Given the current situation of the tournament, Mumbai will start as favourites against Punjab.

I am also backing Mumbai Indians to win the impending clash given their reputation to raise their game when their backs are against the wall.

Also Read: IPL 2018: 49th Match, KKR vs RR – Match Report