The UAE conditions are giving tough times for the players to accommodate. The batters are getting even more violent as every day passes. Still, the spin bowlers are waiting for the sheens and cracks to make the ball unpredictable. Except for Kagiso Rabada of Delhi Capitals, no other fast bowlers make it difficult for the batsmen.
With so much going on in this current IPL, Mumbai Indians is all set to meet the staunch Punjab team, which is incredibly strong with their batting line-up.
Even though Mumbai Indians were stellar in the eleven, they couldn’t execute their best. So, the Rohit Sharma-led team must be looking for the precious two points to make a healthy comeback.
Without much ado, let’s get into predictions for the Match No.13 of IPL 2020: MI vs KXIP.
Prediction on the top run-scorer
Nicholas Pooran made a strong statement with a miraculous save in the boundary line when Sanju Samson tried to hit a six in the last match. Other than that, Pooran’s 8 balls 25 at the end of Punjab’s innings might have cleared his view even more. Right now, with the last match cameo, Nicholas Pooran is all set to showcase his extreme skill. The Trinidadian was waiting for the time to explode, to get back in touch. As the last match paid off for his patience, the right time has arrived. Since Mumbai Indians don’t have an off-spinner to counter the left-hander, it would also act as a greater advantage to his side. When he gets to find the bat’s sweet spot, it will be a feast to watch.
Hardik Pandya has now played three games, yet he hasn’t found the white side with the bat. Infact, he had great starts in all three times, but he couldn’t capitalize on the beginning he got. This time with Punjab lost its spark in their bowling from the last match, Hardik Pandya will find it easier to tackle the not-so-experienced leg spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin.
Prediction on top wicket-taker
Jasprit Bumrah, being a smart bowler, would have found that his short balls were not working well in these traditionally sluggish wickets of UAE. We can find a different approach from this Indian pacer in this match against KXIP. Since KXIP is filled with accumulators, MI might be ready with extra plans in their kit. And therefore, Bumrah being Bumrah, would be so effective in executing the new strategies that would have been planned by the strong Mumbai management. Another good thing for the 26-year-old is the Dubai ground, which is comparatively bigger in the front of the wicket region. All these factors combine to make this match more favorable for the Ahmedabad born Indian fast bowler.
Mohammed Shami is doing magic with his upright seam. The seam does the movement even in these flatter wickets. Kudos to his fitness level that sets his body so right for making perfect execution in the ball’s release without losing the shape of his body. Above all, Mohammed Shami possesses the habit of scalping the bigger wickets since Mumbai is filled with superstars in their line-up, Mohammed Shami, an obvious favorite to pick up more wickets.
Prediction on Who will win the match?
Mumbai Indians know the route to be back on their winning track. Furthermore, their players are slowly getting their full potential game back after three matches.
Batting wise, both MI and KXIP are equally strong. Punjab team has a solid top-order batting while Mumbai was found to have a charged up middle order as we saw in their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. From 80 balls required off 24 balls to 5 runs off 1 ball, we can only expect such things from the Mumbai side. They showed their strong character, and it is what T20 cricket is required. Ishan Kishan’s most impactful 99 off 58 and Kieron Pollard’s 24 balls 60 runs have provided the ice-breaking element for MI, even though they lost the match.
And at the same time, both the teams’ bowlers find it difficult to restrict the batters. The spinners aren’t finding the rhythm as the batsmen are giving them no room to get on a roll.
Prediction on the most six-hitting batter:
Hardik Pandya’s sharp timing that comes in with the masterly bat flow is a deadly combo. When Hardik produces the combo, it’s like bursts of crackers. Moreover, when Hardik hits it, it is more stupendous to watch the ball sail over the fence. It is the most impressive factor he owns. His bat swing is both powerful and quick. Besides that enables him to wait for the ball. Especially for spinners, he just waits for the ball to reach his arc. It will not be long to witness the miracles that this supreme talent is going to do.
As said earlier, the leg spinners of Punjab won’t withstand the brutal hits of Hardik Pandya. The fast bowlers except for Mohammed Shami won’t be a big trouble for Hardik to chance his arms effectively.
Another competitor for hitting more sixes would be Nicholas Pooran, who loves to go against the seamers. With the Mumbai spinners bringing the ball towards the left-hander, the West Indian wicket-keeper might find it easy to tackle them.
Prediction on Man of the match:
Of course, Hardik Pandya, who can hit more sixes and score more runs, would be the front-runner of getting the man of the match award. He has waited for a long time after his injury to get under the limelight. And this match would offer him the opportunity to get it done.
Nicholas Pooran, who is also long waiting to make a massive impact with his game, got his time right now. Getting in at No. 3 brightens the chance of playing more number of balls. Eventually, with his approach, the West Indian can be the best next to Hardik to get the man of the match.
To sum up
On the whole, Punjab is now getting into the tough job by facing the mighty Mumbai Indians. Albeit Mumbai has lost two among the three, the way they fought back in the last match gives the hint that they are back with their magic. Therefore, Mumbai Indians are the favorites of this match against the young KXIP.
