MI vs CSK Match Prediction: The Sportsrush presents before you the Match Prediction of !st Qualifier of IPL 2019. Qualifier 1 set to see one of the oldest and feistiest rivalry in the showpiece tournament reignite
Advertisement
With the 56 engrossing group stage matches, one that captivated us for more than a month behind us now, we move to the pivotal business end of the tournament. Come Tuesday, it’s the knock-out phase that beckons in the Indian Premier League with the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Superkings ready to kick start things with what promises to be an invigorating Qualifier 1.
Having decimated KKR to sit at the pinnacle of the league standings, the Mumbai Indians have been enchanting across the 14 matches they took to the field in. It’s been a sensational tournament for them, one testament of them being the most complete unit this season by a long distance.
On the other hand, they take on an adversary in the second placed Chennai Superkings who’ve been equally terrific this year. Finding themselves in the knock-out stage yet again, the Superkings who play in their own stadium for this crunch encounter will be looking to put down an opponent who they’ve suffered the most aberrations against in the league.
MI vs CSK Probable Winner
CSK Vs MI has always been an encounter that is competitively contested, such is the colossal identity of the rivalry between the two franchisees. It’s a clash that is revered in the tournament, one that sees both set of players up the standards of their performances when the identity of the opposition is such and expect Tuesday to see both the outfits spare no expense in sealing their berth in the coveted summit clash of the season.
Making up part of a rare clash in which the Chennai Superkings find themselves trailing the opposition, they’ve managed to register just 12 wins in 28 matches the two sides have met in. Building on their resounding record against the Superkings, the Indians trounced them both the times these two met previously this season, winning by 46 and 47 runs respectively to extend their dominance to 16 wins against the franchisee.
Key Battles
Rohit Sharma Vs Imran Tahir
This is built to a cliff-hanger and perhaps one of the most exciting clashes in the match will be Rohit Sharma against Imran Tahir. Having found himself back among the runs with a half-century against KKR in his side’s final group stage match, the opener will be looking to be among the runs once again. He and Quinton de Kock have delivered innings of worth in the opening partnership and they’ll be eyeing another profound stand that can beleaguer CSK.
It won’t be all that easy though for Rohit especially with the treacherous nature of the surface a known entity. CSK will go in with a three spin prolonged attack, one which will see MS Dhoni employ spin early on against Rohit. Fully aware of the Rohit’s travesties against the slower bowler, Imran will look to rile him up and send him back cheaply inside the first 6 overs.
Faf du Plessis Vs Jasprit Bumrah
Whilst MI’s bit and part spinners have served them fortuitously this season, they’ll be aware that they are paper thin in that department. It leaves a huge brunt of the onus on the pace department to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility on their shoulders and deliver an incisive performance.
What works in their favour though is that in Jasprit Bumrah they have a spearhead, a bowler who can besmirch any batting unit in the world. The spearhead has the stellar ability to shape the ball both into and away from the batsmen and him against Faf du Plessis will make for some viewing.
Faf has been the main batsman for CSK and MI will know if they can send him back to the pavilion cheaply, CSK can collapse like a house of cards. Expect Bumrah to give it his all and be right on the money against him.
Rohit Sharma Vs MS Dhoni
One reason this clash is always so highly anticipated is because it sees Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni square off against each other. While Dhoni missed both the previous matches against MI, he’ll be back for this one and looking to get his decisions right on against a franchisee they’ve hated facing in recent times. On the other hand, Rohit and the MI team management have shown flexibility this season, playing according to the need and nature of the game. A match where exemplary captaincy skills are going to come to the fore.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Superkings Match Prediciton
While the Mumbai Indians go into this clash with incredible momentum, they’ll know that CSK will be out to get back at them. The visiting side will especially be wary of the crumbling pitch, one covered cracks all over that play right into CSK’s hands.
This is set to be an edge of the seat thriller, one where the better batting side will come out on top given absolutely nothing for the batters to play around with. What slightly favours the Chennai Superkings is that they know these conditions extremely well and have always meted out a trio of spinners on this surface. It’s tough to see Mumbai Indians being able to negotiate the conditions as comfortably as their opposition.
Match Details
Qualifier 1, MI vs CSK
Date And Time: 7th May 2019, Tuesday- 7:30pm
Television: Star Sports 1,2, Select HD1, Hindi/HD
Also Read : MI vs CSK Dream 11
