IPL 2017: Qualifier 1, Mumbai Indians v Rising Pune Supergiant Game 57 – Match Result Predictions

As the 10th edition of IPL 10 has reached the playoffs stage, we are all set for the all-important Qualifier 1 between the top 2 two teams Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant. Both have played some tremendous cricket in the group stage with Mumbai Indians being the standout team so far. It will be played at the Wankhede Stadium and despite Pune beating them twice in the group stage, Mumbai will start as outright favourites for tomorrow’s clash.

They ended their group stage campaign on a high with a hard fought victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders before losing a couple in a row. Despite the twin losses during the later stages, Mumbai finished with 20 points two ahead of the 2nd placed Pune. They won’t be getting the services of Jos Buttler and Lendl Simmons will continue to open the innings with Parthiv Patel.

They made as many as 5 changes in their previous encounter but will go with their full strength tomorrow. The Pandya brothers have been the standout performers and will look to continue their prowess in the tournament. Their bowling department also looks settled with Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah spearheading the attack with Mitchell McCleneghan. The spin department boasts of Harbhajan Singh and Krunal Pandya who has been in pretty accurate so far in the tourney.

Rising Pune Supergiant, on the other hand, produced their best brand of cricket in their virtual quarter-final clash against the Kings XI Punjab as they bundled them out for a paltry 73. Shardul Thakur produced a magical spell and Jaydev Unadkat continued his dream run. The low score also gave AJinkya Rahane to spend some time in the middle.

Their biggest loss will that of Ben Stokes who has been their all-round star in the group stage. It will be a big blow for Steve Smith and Co but the guy coming in will look to make most of his opportunity. The bowling department has been jolted by the absence of Imran Tahir but they have an able and like for like replacement in Adam Zampa who has been brilliant in the shortest format. SO with more than 20 hours to go for the all-important clash to commence let us have a look at the match predictions

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:        

Scenario 1: MI will win the toss

Toss Prediction: MI will choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 170-180

2nd innings Prediction: MI will win by 6 wickets (with 3 balls to spare)

Scenario 2: RPS win the toss

Toss Prediction: RPS choose to bowl

First innings Prediction: 195-205

2nd innings Prediction: MI will win by 15-20 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches –4, MI Won – 1, RPS Won – 3

Despite Pune’s superior head to head record, Mumbai will start as favourites in the 3^rd Maharashtra derby of the tournament. Pune defeated Mumbai on both occasions in the group stage but the absence of Ben Stokes will leave a huge void and it will be interesting to see whether they opt for an extra batsman in Usman Khawaja or a bowler Lockie Ferguson.

Team Combinations

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai will make a whole lot of changes as they had played their bench strengths in the last group game against the Knight Riders. Despite a prolific start to the season Nitish Rana’s form has been a worry for Mumbai off late and they might persist with Ambati Rayudu who looked composed in the middle. Despite a half-century, Saurabh Tiwary will make way for Parthiv Patel. Harbhajan, McCleneghan and Lasith Malinga will also make a return for the all-important clash.

Predicted XI: Parthiv Patel (wk), Lendl Simmons, Rohit Sharma (c), Ambati Rayudu, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga

Rising Pune Supergiant

Usman Khawaja might be the likely replacement for Ben Stokes but Lockie Ferguson might also emerge as a contender. It will be an interesting call for the RPS team management. Their line-up looks pretty settled but it will a tough ask to beat them for the 3^rd time in a row.

Predicted XI:  Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith (c), Manoj Tiwary, MS Dhoni (wk), Usman Khawaja/Lockie Ferguson, Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa

Despite Pune’s superior head to head record, Mumbai will start ass favourites and it will require a big effort from Pune to overhaul Mumbai at home.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.

Note: This is a random call taken by the author.