Match Details
Date: 6 April 2022
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview
In the fourteenth game of the season, Mumbai Indians will lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Mumbai have started their season on a low note as they are yet to open their points tally, having lost two games in a row. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are sitting comfortably at the second spot in the points table with 2 wins and 1 loss.
Pitch Report
This is set to be the third game of the season at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The wicket here is known to remain consistent throughout with a bit of pace and bounce but at the same time, there is a hint of turn for the spinners. Dew has played a big role in the games so far in IPL 2022 with batting becoming easier as the game progresses.
Analysis
Mumbai Indians:
Mumbai Indians failed to break their jinx of not being able to win their first IPL match since 2013 as the Rohit Sharma-led side suffered a 4-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals in their opening match of IPL 2022. In their next game, MI lost to RR by 23 runs as Jos Buttler's maiden hundred of IPL 2022 and Yuzvendra Chahal's 2/26 stifled Mumbai.
Mumbai delivered good performance in both of their matches but couldn't capitalize on the key moments in the game. Batter Suryakumar Yadav is expected to be fit & available for selection for this game. With Suryakumar back in the team, Anmolpreet Singh will have to make way for the Indian batter. Kieron Pollard and Tim David have not lived up to the expectations of the fans and the duo will be responsible for finishing the games for Mumbai.
SportsTiger Playing XI of MI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Daniel Sams/Fabian Allen, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Basil Thampi.
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Kolkata Knight Riders claimed their second win of the tournament against Punjab on the back of Umesh Yadav's stunning bowling display and Andre Russell's power-packed knock towards the end of the match. Andre Russell single-handedly blew away Punjab bowlers with his 31-ball 70* in the chase of 139. The KKR all-rounder came to bat when KKR had lost four wickets for 51 runs in 7 overs. From there on, Russell took his time and built a partnership with Sam Billings to bail KKR out of trouble. Earlier, Umesh Yadav took 4 wickets to restrict PBKS to a mere 138.
In a huge boost, Pat Cummins has completed his mandatory quarantine period and will be available for selection in this game. Cummins is likely to replace Sam Billings in the team. Kolkata has performed well and they will aim to continue their winning momentum here.
SportsTiger Playing XI of KKR
Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (c), Sheldon Jackson (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Pat Cummins, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
Match Prediction:
Conclusion
KKR look the strong favourites to win this match due to their clinical performance in the tournament so far. However, Mumbai are not to be taken lightly as the five-time IPL champions will be eager to get their first points on the board.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.