Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians : TORRID TIMES AT CHENNAI? || Indian Super League 2021 Match 17
Indian Super League 2021 Match 17
Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – April 23rd
Punjab Kings:
The IPL 2021 points table is gradually taking shape, but one wouldn’t feel like to be where the Punjab Kings are at the second. With just one victory in four matches, the Kings are languishing at the bottom of the table. In fact, they will enter into the match on the back of three successive losses.
While the PBKS batters have blown hot and cold this edition, their bowling line-up has also lacked confidence. Much will drive on the likes of Nicholas Pooran and KL Rahul, with the former being the major disappointment of IPL 2021 so far. Although Punjab will be eager to reverse their fortunes in this clash, they have a hard task at hand in the shape of the Mumbai Indians.
Possible playing XI: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul (c&wk), Shahrukh Khan, Fabian Allen, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Murugan Ashwin, Chris Gayle/Dawid Malan, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami.
Mumbai Indians:
The defending champions have had an exciting IPL 2021 crusade so far. While they are in the blend for a playoff spot in IPL 2021, the Mumbai Indians haven’t certainly hit top gear. Apart from some dazzling knocks at the top of the order, Mumbai’s middle-order has collapsed more often than not, which is a reason for worry.
Nevertheless, their bowling line-up has more than earnt up for it, with Jasprit Bumrah excelling beside Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult. Mumbai would appreciate ending the Chennai leg with a victory, but a lot will hinge on how their batting roster manages with the threat of the Punjab Kings’ bowling line-up.
Possible playing XI: Rohit Sharma/Chris Lynn, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Jayant Yadav, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
The venue, Pitch Report, and Toss Prediction:
As seen in the last games, the wicket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is comprehensively on the slower side. While there isn’t much swing and movement on the bid, the pace bowlers have altered their pace to good impact. However, the spin bowlers have obtained turn off the pitch, which has distressed several batters in IPL 2021. The batsmen will preferably look to cash in on the powerplay limits after which the wicket will certainly slow down and make for equal competition between bat and ball. Both sides will look to bat first upon winning the toss, with 170 being a very challenging total at the venue.
Tops Value:
Mumbai Indians are the obvious favourites before the game and rightfully so. Mumbai is at the pre-match odds of 1.50, whereas Punjab is at 2.45. Mumbai’s current record of 2 wins and 2 losses might be too exaggerated considering their odds. Although their exceptional depth and stability hands them the benefit, the Punjab Kings have a good record against the defending IPL champions in previous years. With both sides gazing at a vital win, we should be in for a thrilling IPL 2021 match on Friday.
