IPL 2018: Match 23, MI vs SRH, Preview- Mumbai seek for shelter at home against awry Sunrisers

Mumbai Indians (MI) have had similar fortunes in all their previous games thus far the tournament. All their games have gone right down to the wire, but they have managed to hold their nerves only once against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). On the other hand, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have stuttered following an impressive start to their campaign.

Their upcoming game will be against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium, which is considered to be a batsman’s paradise. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson has mentioned that Shikhar Dhawan is most likely to make a comeback which is a good news for the visitors. On their home ground, Mumbai will be desperate to get their second victory in place.

The Rohit Sharma-led team can’t afford another defeat as with cut-throat competition on display, their journey might capsize alarmingly, and recovery thereafter will be a herculean task. Sunrisers also might look to get their combinations right and eradicate the loopholes in the lineup. Bearing in mind the track record of the ground, teams might look to chase with batting friendly conditions.

Toss: Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field first

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Basil Thampi, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman

Team Combination

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai faltered during the dying stages of their game against Rajasthan. However, chances of them making too many changes look bleak. JP Duminy might replace Kieron Pollard as the Windies all-rounder hasn’t done anything of substance in the tournament. The team would be hoping their middle order, especially the likes of Hardik, Krunal and Duminy, provided he is included, to fire.

The bowlers did reasonably well in the league. Mustafizur Rahman and Mitchell McClenaghan have churned out wickets at crucial stages of a game. Krunal Pandya’s slow off-breaks would again be important for Mumbai to put a lid on the opposition. Most importantly, Jasprit Bumrah needs to shed the disappointment of the previous game and come out all guns blazing.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Shikhar Dhawan missed out the last two games and might return for tomorrow’s game after his injury layoff. Ricky Bhui, who had a horrendous outing against Chennai Super Kings, might have to sit out, which also means that Wriddhiman Saha might open the batting. Meanwhile, the likes of Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda need to strike form at the earliest.

The bowlers have been a primary reason why the Sunrisers have three wins in their kitty. At the Wankhede, the bowlers will have their task cut out with very little help from the track. Rashid Khan had a couple of lacklustre games and he would want to make amends. Sandeep Sharma’s spell would be important, which also needs support from the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Sidharth Kaul and others.

Players to watch out for

Jasprit Bumrah- Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah has gone for quite a few runs in the tournament and hasn’t quite been able to execute his skills to perfection. Moreover, he has been taken apart in the death overs, which might affect his confidence. Nevertheless, the bowler needs to park the nightmares aside and deliver the goods for his franchise.

Rashid Khan- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Rashid Khan began the league on an impressive note but has lost his rhythm in the last two games. The Afghan leg-spinner is a vital cog in their bowling department and he needs to step up in order for the Sunrisers to get their campaign back on track. Mumbai won’t be kind to spinners, but there’s no doubt that Rashid possesses the ability to perform well even on those wickets.

Head to Head

Played- 11, Mumbai Indians- 5, Sunrisers Hyderabad – 6, NR/Tie-  0

Stat Attack

4- Sunrisers have won 4 out of the last five encounters against Mumbai Indians.

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

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