Overview
Both these sides come into this match riding the crests of different waves. Punjab went to Chennai and stormed what is usually a fortress with a thrilling last-ball victory while chasing 200. Mumbai became the first team to successfully chase over 200 at the Wankhede Stadium, with their heavy hitters all contributing to ensure that Yashasvi Jasiwal’s magnificent 124 went in vain. But there’s a reason these teams are sixth and seventh in the table. Neither has been able to summon up any kind of consistency, and tremendous wins have been interspersed with insipid displays.
Punjab have the sizeable carrot of knowing that victory will take them into the top four. Their line-up, especially with Shikhar Dhawan now back after his injury-enforced break, is full of runs, but there are concerns about the bowling. Arshdeep Singh is in the hunt for the Purple Cap with 15 wickets, but Harpreet aside, no bowler has an economy rate below 8. Kagiso Rabada, from whom so much is expected, has five wickets while conceding nearly 10 an over.
Mumbai have a similar problem. Piyush Chawla, who couldn’t even find a team last season, has been outstanding, with 13 wickets, but the other regular bowlers, especially the Australian duo of Jason Behrendorff and Riley Meredith, have leaked runs. Jofra Archer has yet to ignite, despite getting back to top pace, and Cameron Green has also not made the impact expected with the ball.
But Green, Tilak Varma, Tim David and Suryakumar Yadav all look to be in prime form, and Mumbai will hope that Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan can also join the party soon. With so many big hitters in both camps, this could be a very high-scoring game. Or will the IPL finally see the best of Archer?
De Kock Could Come in For Injured Rahul Against Chennai
Venue and time
Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. 7:30 PM.
Head-to-Head
These two teams are tied at 15 wins apiece, and it’s absolutely even in games at Mohali too, with four victories each.
Expected conditions and toss
The temperature will be around 26C at the start of play, surprisingly cool for this time of year. But recent rain should also mean more humidity, which could mean new-ball swing and also dew later in the evening. Expect the team that wins the toss to opt for the chase.
Likely playing XI and impact player
Punjab have usually used Prabhsimran Singh as their Impact player, and are set to do so again. He will replace Rabada or another bowler. Mumbai played the same XI for the 40 overs against Rajasthan Royals, but the likes of Arjun Tendulkar, Nehal Wadhera and Shams Mulani are impact options off the bench.
Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Jofra Archer, Piyush Chawla, Kumar Kartikeya, Riley Meredith, Arshad Khan.