Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab play their second match of 2011. Both are on a roll, MI upwards and Kings XI backwards. While MI has already booked the place in knockout, Kings XI must win all remaining matches, including against Mumbai Indians at home today.!
History
Kings XI still enjoy edge over Mumbai Indians in 7 macthes winning 4 and losing 3. 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. But, their preview match of current edition showed Kings XI are no match to the Mumbai Indians side.
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. Then Indians thumped Kings XI at home. Last match saw them winning easily against Pune Warriors. They knocked out Delhi Daredevils and assured a place in Knock-out phase.
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 match against Delhi Daredevils saw their unsuccessful chase in the high-scoring match. In the last match at Eden KKR handed them heavy defeat. They faced crushing defeat against MI, while in Bangalore Gayle’s record century and all-round performance knocked them out of Chinnaswamy. Pune Warriors thumped them in same fashion again.
Player’s Performance
Mumbai Indians top order batsmen and bowlers have shown exceptional high in player’s performance index. Sachin has let the Orange cap slip, 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 64 wickets in 10 matches, providing the best bowling 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 is going strong, and he has Gilchrist and Karthik in 100-run club. Overall their bowling has improved taking 42 wickets in 10 matches.
Head-to-Head: KXIP 4, MI 3
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
2011
- MI def KXIP by 23 runs
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!
While Mumbai Indians are getting stronger with every match, Kings XI have a lot to improve. Even at home they scored their lowest score ever against Pune Warriors in last match, while Mumbai Indians are dominating almost every team at home and away both. Although desperation to win all the remaining matches may inspire an improved performance from Kings XI men, yet by all standards, Mumbai Indians are too strong for them.
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/Sachin 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.
Pollard vs David Hussey
Both are arguably one of the best players in Twenty20 around the globe. But Pollard has made his presence even in lesser opportunity received, specially while fieling and bowling. Hussey on the other hand has failed miserably. His revival to for may change the fortune of Kings XI.
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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