Kings XI Punjab looked like running through the knockout with victories. Two big defeats have dented their chances, yet having played only 6 matches so far makes their chances the brightest for the knockout race. Mumbai Indians on the other hand have looked invincible before their last match against Rajasthan Royals. Will MI go on top or Will Kings XI restart its winning march!!
History
Kings XI has an upper hand over Mumbai Indians in last 6 macthes winning 4 and losing only 2. In fact even in two very close matches, Kings XI have emerged winner. Besides winning both the matches in 2008, when they reached semifinal, Kings XI even won a match in 2009 as well as in 2010, when MI reached final and Kings XI had their worst IPL edition.
2011 Performances
Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Daredevils by 8 wickets, after bundling them below 100. Against Royal Challengers Banglore Mumbai Indians bowler laid the ground for a low chase, and batsmen ensured another emphatic victory by 9 wickets. But, in the home match against fresher Kochi Tuskers, despite scoring high total batting first for the first time, the bowlers failed to defend. But, they bounced back and thumped Pune Warriors India. Against champions CSK, MI humbled them easily with Harbhajan’s spins that recorded one of the IPL’s best bowling performances. In the last match, they thumped Deccan Chargers in away match to celebrate Sachin’s birthday. But Rajasthan Royals humiliated them at Jaipur restricting them to one of the lowest IPL total.
Kings XI, initially appearing the weakest team, shot into prominence with big wins. They first surprised 2010 champtions Chennai Super Kings at home, and then defeated 2009 champions Deccan Chargers. They earlier lost to Pune Warriors. Continuing their inspirational form, Kings XI humiliated Royals. The last match saw their unsuccessful chase in the high-scoring match against Delhi Daredevils. In the last match at Eden KKR handed them heavy defeat.
Player’s Performance
Mumbai Indians top order batsmen and bowlers have shown exceptional high in player’s performance index. Sachin can retain the Orange cap with only 15 more runs, although he must score big otherwise in few hours after his match Sehwag, who needs only 7 runs for the top spot, can grab it, and Malinga’s Purple Cap is guaranted for at least 10 more matches. Rohit has caught Sachin and Rayudu in the 200-club. Symonds has entered 100-club door and was dismissed against ROyals after playing 3 unbeatable innings. The bowlers have been exceptional taking 41 wickets in 7 matches, one of the best performances of tournament so far.
Kings XI player performance index indicates how dependent they are on Valthaty. He is no more the current Orange Cap holder, Marsh and Gilchrist have also entered 100-run club. Karthik needs one more run to enter the club. Overall their bowling has improved taking 26 wickets in 6 matches.
Head-to-Head: KXIP 4, MI 2
2008
- KXIP def MI by 66 Runs
KXIP def MI by 1 Run
2009
- KXIP def MI by 3 Runs
MI def KXIP by 8 Wickets
2010
- MI def KXIP by 4 Wickets
KXIP def MI by 6 W
Performances of Past
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In 2008, Mumbai Indians won 7 and lost 7. Kings XI has reached 2008 semifinals. They won 10 matches and lost 5.
In 2009, Kings XI could not reach the semifinal and had even results, winning 7 and losing 7. MI has their worst performance as they registered only 5 wins compared to 8 losses. 1 match was abandoned.
In 2010, Mumbai Indians led by Sachin from front rocked IPL and entered the final. MI won 11 matches and lost just 5. 2010 saw Kings worst performance when they won 4 and lost 10.
Overall Performance
Kings XI has won 21 matches and lost 22 in last 3 editions. With 23 wins and 20 losses MI has been a better team in last three editions.
Who Will Win Today!
MI still looks invincible. But Valthaty’s team does not know what the definition of invincibility. They have played a fearless game and despite few losses, may continue to do the same. If the bowling can come more handy if not exactly what Royals did to MI batsmen, Kings XI batsmen have the ammunition to wrap the match against MI. Both are coming to this match after being humiliated in their last matches. Both want to redeem their pride and march forward. Mumbai Indians clearly have an edge, specially while playing at home.
Key Battles
Malinga vs Valthaty
Valthaty and Malinga have destroyed all who crossed their way so far, with some exceptions. Malinga has the Purple Cap, without any competition, Valthaty has won it and gave it to others but with his team scheduled to play more matches than any other team, he can retain the Orange Cap. Kings XI would wish that too, as so far his dominance has led them to three victories.
Rayudu/Jacobs vs Praveen Kumar and co
Jacobs likes flying start. Praveen likes first-over wickets. Rayudu has hit almost every bowler out of the park. Praveen again has balls that refuse to go beyond stumps. Initially Kumar did produce wicket-taking first overs in first two matches. But, with Jacobs and Rayudu in good form it will be the biggest test for Praveen to get Kings XI to a flying start.
Rohit Sharma/Symonds vs Shaun Marsh/David
The two batting pairs are the pillars of their team. Except David Hussey all have some good runs in their kitty. The success of these pairs would define the momentum of the match.
Tendulkar Vs Valthaty
Finally the moment has come. Orange cap has been revolving between these two once it was snatched from Kallis and before few days when Virat Kohli snapped it. They have destroyed different oppositions. Today, they will play against each other to destroy each other’s team. Both of them have been dismissed cheaply in last match. The aura of invincibility has gone. Yet, they do remain the most dominant openers of IPL 4.
Mumbai Indians Squad
Batsman: Sachin Tendulkar (Captain), Ambati Rayudu, Rajagopal Sathish, Rohit Sharma, Tirumalasetti Suman, Aditya Tare (WK), Davy Jacobs (WK)
Allrounder: James Franklin, Moises Henriques, Kieron Pollard, Andrew Symonds
Bowlers: Aiden Blizzard, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Munaf Patel, Abu Nechim, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sarul Kanwar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ali Murtaza, Pawan Suyal, Santosh Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav
Kings XI Squad
Batsman: Adam Gilchrist (Captain/Keeper), Shaun Marsh, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Vikramjeet Malik, Nitin Saini
Allrounders: David Hussey, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Mandeep Singh
Bowlers: Stuart Broad, Ryan Harris, Ryan McLaren, Nathan Rimmington, Love Ablish, Praveen Kumar, Amit Yadav, Bhargav Bhatt, Bipul Sharma, Piyush Chawla, Siddharth Chitnis, Paras Dogra, Shalabh Srivastava, Sunny Singh, Paul Valthaty
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