When going gets tough, the tough gets going. Sunrisers Hyderabad must now take fate in their own hands and register a win to lay rest to any of the doubts that prevail. This would be their last game at home where they have won five of their six matches. The two successive defeats for the defending champions means that they have allowed KXIP and maybe even Delhi Daredevils to think about playing in the playoffs. Here are the Preview and Match Result Predictions for Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians .
The bowling line up failed to deliver against young Delhi batsmen and the batsmen couldn’t chase down a paltry score of 149 against RPS. They’ll be relieved to see KXIP lose to Gujarat Lions on Sunday. But they are now going to face the biggest hurdle, the table toppers Mumbai Indians.
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Those at the top of the mountain didn’t fall there. Mumbai Indians are on a dream run this season. All their players have put their hands up whenever the team has needed one. They have already qualified for the second phase of the tournament. The two aims in their minds would be to continue the winning momentum and finish among top two so that they can have two cracks at the final.
They are coming off a stupendous win against Delhi which rendered Daredevils on the mercy of performances of fellow contenders for a playoffs berth. It was the biggest margin win (in terms of runs) in the IPL.
PITCH
This time it is expected that the pitch different from the sluggish one used against RPS would be in play at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. They could revert back to the batsman friendly wicket.
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD – STRENGTHS
David Warner has been the match winner for them alongwith Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The orange and purple cap holders are in the same team. And this speaks of the contribution that they have had in the wins this season. Kane Williamson and Yuvraj Singh are also amongst runs. Siddarth Kaul has improved with every match. And Rashid Khan has forced the opposition to go on a defensive mode against him.
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD – WEAKNESSES
The fifth bowler dilemma is still unresolved. They are a little too much dependant on Bhuvi for wickets. The lower middle order comprising of Naman Ojha and Deepak Hooda hasn’t fired with the bat. Moises Henriques has leaked runs with the ball. And most importantly, they have lost the winning momentum that matters so much especially at the business end of the IPL.
MUMBAI INDIANS – STRENGTHS
The team has grown remarkably well. The all round performance of the team has certainly earned them a lot of admirers as well as the top spot in the playoffs. Lendl Simmons, brought in as replacement for Jos Butler got Mumbai off to a good start. Kieron Pollard played a knock true to his talent in the last match.
The captain, Rohit Sharma is looking in good touch. Hardik Pandya has grabbed whatever few opportunities he has got. Their bowling attack is in superb form with Malinga and Bumrah handling the pace department. Harbhajan Singh is the most economical bowler this season (min 15 overs) and with 3 left handers in Hyderabad’s top four, he can prove to be the difference in two sides. Karn Sharma has played his part well.
MUMBAI INDIANS – WEAKNESSES
Nitish Rana’s poor form with the bat is a big concern for them. Mitchell McClenaghan has leaked runs with the ball.
PREDICTED XI
SRH – They may be tempted to bring in Deepak Hooda for Bipul Sharma to bolster their batting. The hamstring injury to Ashish Nehra means that they’ll have to draft in Mohd. Siraj. Moises Henriques bad showing with the ball means that Ben Cutting could replace him.
David Warner (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson, Yuvraj Singh, Ben Cutting, Naman Ojha (wk), Deepak Hooda, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Siraj, Siddarth Kaul
MI – Krunal Pandya hasn’t recovered from his injury. Jos Butler is set to leave for national duty. Mumbai are expected to field the same XI as they did against Delhi.
Parthiv Patel (wk), Lendl Simmons, Nitish Rana, Rohit Sharma (capt), Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Karn Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall: Played – 9, SRH – 4, MI – 5
Earlier this season at Wankhede, Mumbai chased down a score of 158 riding on Nitish Rana and Krunal Pandya’s contribution.
MATCH PREDICTION
With SRH desperately looking to get back to winning ways at their home and Mumbai looking to carry on the good work, this promises to be a high scoring encounter. Here’s what we predict.
If SRH bats first
1st Innings Score: 180 – 190
MI wins by 5 wickets
If MI bats first
1st Innings Score: 180 – 190
SRH wins by 5 wickets.
