*MI VS SRH PREVIEW- MATCH 69*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Welcome to the 69th game of the tourney, the second last league game but probably the most important one. It’s not just the two points which are at stake, but the Qualification of both MI and RR are gonna go under the hammer today. When Rohit and co head out and take the field today, they will have the eliminator at the back of their minds but a win today would still not seal their berth as they will eagerly have to wait for the game at the MA Chinnaswamy to conclude. Mumbai have had a good campaign, and a one where their batting has clearly overpowered their underwhelming bowling performances. As their bowlers have constantly leaked 200 runs, their star batters including the stroke makers and power hitters have compensated for the disastrous bowling efforts and chased down some of the most daunting targets to exist. Today, with the game at their home ground, with their fans witnessing and hoping for another big chase, the spirits in the camp would be high without a doubt however SRH hold what it takes to spoil the 5 time champions’ party. They are such a team that have been buried down by the management calls and strategies and if played to their potential, they can hurt the greatest of teams in this tournament as well. Markram, would be pumped to see his team, finish on a high and do both RR and RCB a favour.
*MI PROBABLE XI:*
Ishan Kishan(wk), Rohit Sharma(c), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Nehal Wadhera, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya
The match could turn out to be a six-fest. The 124 sixes hit at Wankhede so far is the most at any venue this season. MI could be at the dominating end of it, possessing so many six hitters in their studded lineup. With a SRH bowling group that recently conceded a Virat century, MI would fancy their chances bigtime.
Expect David to come to the party at any point or stage of the game as he enjoys a stunning record vs the death bowler of SRH, T Natarajan. Off the 16 balls he has faced, the Aussie big hitter has collected 47 runs already without giving away his wicket to him. If Natarajan fails to nail his yorkers today, something similar can be expected.
Piyush Chawla has the maximum number of wickets for a spin bowler bowling in the phase (7-15). He would be eyeing Klaasen’s wicket, who has been not just consistent with his run generating ability but has accumulated runs at a fast pace too. Their battle could be one to keep a close tab on as Klaasen hardly fails to spin bowling, a matchup he generally takes a toll of.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Akash Madhwal to come in as the impact sub if MI bowl second. He has been able to deceive batters with his lengths at this ground. Tilak Verma could play the same role if MI chase a target.
*SRH PROBABLE XI:*
Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Glenn Phillips, Abdul Samad, Akeal Hossain, Umran Malik, Mayank Dagar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nitish Reddy
Suryakumar Yadav’s archiles heels in cricket is left arm spinners and SRH have an option in Akeal Hossain to unleash what it takes to hunt down SKY and stop his flourish for MI. He could feature today at the expense of Brook who has been mediocre all season.
Aiden Markram said that he was unaware of the scene with Umran Malik and was unsure of his availability but today, being the last league for SRH and the second last league game overall, we could see Umran in action. With the bounce that Wankhede normally offers, he could be a triumph pick for the side as well.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be eyeing a comeback after a disastrous last game vs RCB where he was on the receiving end of an onslaught from King Kohli. He was taken apart for 12 an over and was treated with disdain in both powerplay and death overs phase.
Sunrisers have won just two of their 11 games at Wankhede. It’s one piece of stat that would rue the hopes of all SRH fans but it can also be a much needed motivating factor to do well in their last game and give their fans something to cheer about.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Mayank Markande could come in when SRH bowl second. He has had a phenomenal season so far and should also enjoy bowling to SKY as he turns the ball away from him. Samad could play a similar role when SRH bat second.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THIS GAME:*
*FOR MI:*
Highest run getter- Cameron Green/Ishan Kishan
Highest wicket taker- Piyush Chawla/Jason Behnrendroff
*FOR SRH:*
Highest run getter- Abhishek Sharma/Heinrich Klaasen
Highest wicket taker- Umran Malik/Alwal Hossain
*FOR THE GAME:*
A SRH win is what I want though MI look stronger and could win this one.