IPL 2020: What To Expect As The Fourth-Ranked KXIP Locks Horns With Mumbai Indians In Today’s Match?
The Indian Premier League is not just a cricket league, but more of a festival celebrated all over the nation. However, this year it is more exciting as some of the underdog teams are performing way more brilliantly than expected. The teams like Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kings XI Punjab are those who hardly made it to the top of the IPL score table usually.
But this year it is different. The matches these teams played so far were nothing less than power-packed drama. This is why fans are looking forward to tomorrow’s match, where Kings XI Punjab will fight their way for their second win against four times Champions, Mumbai Indians.
KXIP’s Journey In IPL 2020 So Far
When predicting KXIP’s match, it is better not to judge them on the two losses out of their three matches so far. The team is potent and dynamic this year. With KL Rahul’s excellent captaincy, selection of players, and Punjab’s ‘fight till you die’ attitude this year; the team currently ranks fourth on the league table behind RR, DC, and RCB. The team has some incredible batsman be it top order or the middle order.
KXIP has so far lost their first match of the tournament to Delhi Capitals, with 4 balls left in the Super Over. They won the second one over RCB by 97 runs where skipper KL Rahul scored a ton but lost the third one again to Rajasthan Royals. However, they will be looking forward to even the odds in this match.
Players That Can Change The Game
There is no doubt the team selection has been brilliant this year. KL Rahul, as the Captain, opener, and Wicket Keeper, is showcasing his finesse and class. His 132 off 69 balls against RCB, which later became the reason for RCB’s defeat, is something to watch on loop. He currently holds the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer. Other than Rahul, Mayank Agarwal is another hard-hitting batsman to look out for. This man has the potential of winning any game and scoring colossal totals.
The bowling line up is stronger this year with Mohammad Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, and Sheldon Cottrell. These players have already bagged many wickets. Other players that will be in focus are Glenn Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, and Jimmy Neesham.
MI’s Journey In IPL 2020 So Far
The four-time winner of the IPL needs no separate mention about how fine they are. With Hitman Rohit Sharma as the captain, expectations are too high from this team. However, Mumbai Indians have not yet shown their match-winning excellence on the field.
Like KXIP, Mumbai Indians, too, has won one match out of three and is standing just below KXIP this year at 5th position. The players have shown their hard work on the field, but somehow it couldn’t be enough to win.
Players That Can Change The Game
Rohit Sharma as the Captain and the Opener, is undoubtedly one of the players that can change the game for Mumbai Indians. Quinton de Kock, too can happen to be a useful player for MI. He keeps the ability to create a big target or even chase one. The partnership between Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard against RCB was what changed the game and got Mumbai Indians so close to their second win.
Other hard hitters of the middle order include Hardik Pandya. The balling line up of the team is power-packed as well. To begin with, they have Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, who happens to be the 2nd best bowler in the world in Men’s ODI. Other mention-worthy players include Rahul Chahar, Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, and James Pattinson.
The venue, Pitch, and Verdict
This KXIP VS MI match is going to be a close fight between the two teams, as both are looking for their second win. The venue of the match is Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The win record of KXIP has been 100% in Abu Dhabi. The pitch can be a lot of trouble for spin bowlers but can prove to be extremely useful for batsmen. This pitch can happen to be excellent for medium pacers. This match is going to be a real thriller; hope you don’t miss the epic game!
