The much-anticipated clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 33 of IPL 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are determined to bounce back after facing defeats in their previous matches. PBKS put up a spirited fight but ultimately lost to the Rajasthan Royals, while MI, despite a brilliant century by captain Rohit Sharma, fell short of victory against the Chennai Super Kings. As they prepare to face each other, both teams are eager to turn their fortunes around and secure a crucial win.
Head-to-Head Stats and Ground History
The head-to-head record between PBKS and MI in the IPL has been closely contested. Out of the 31 encounters so far, MI has emerged victorious 16 times, while PBKS has won 15 matches. Interestingly, this will be the first meeting between the two teams at the newly built Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
Speaking of the ground history, the stadium has hosted three IPL matches. Teams have won one match batting first and two matches batting second. The average first innings total is 167.7, with the highest total being 182/9 by Sunrisers Hyderabad against PBKS in 2024 and the lowest total being 147/8 by PBKS against Rajasthan Royals in 2024.
Teams have scored at an average rate of 8.49 runs per over and have lost wickets at an average of 22.49 runs. The average powerplay score is 43.7, while the average death-over score is 57.1, indicating the pitch's dynamics throughout the innings.
PBKS Predicted XI and Impact Subs
Based on recent performances and team combinations, the predicted playing XI for PBKS against MI includes Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, and Arshdeep Singh. The impact subs for PBKS could be Atharva Taide and Rahul Chahar.
One player to watch out for in the PBKS lineup is Jitesh Sharma. With the World Cup squad selection on the horizon, Jitesh's form is a concern. He has managed only 106 runs in six outings at an average of 17.66. His performance in this match will be crucial as he aims to secure his spot in the World Cup squad.
MI Predicted XI and Impact Subs
On the other hand, MI is expected to field a strong lineup consisting of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Mohammad Nabi, Shreyas Gopal, Jasprit Bumrah, and Gerald Coetzee. The impact subs for MI could be Akash Madhwal and Nuwan Thushara.
All eyes will be on Hardik Pandya, who has been leading the Mumbai Indians side. Pandya's form and role in the team have been a big question mark. He has looked to share the responsibility in the bowling department but has struggled with an economy rate of 12. With the bat, he has scored 131 runs in six matches. His performance in this match will be crucial for MI's chances of victory.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium has shown varied behaviors in the previous matches. Initially, it favored the batsmen during the day game between Delhi and Punjab. However, it slowed down in the match between Hyderabad and Punjab. In the most recent match between Punjab and Rajasthan, the pitch assisted spinners and cutters. Another slow wicket is anticipated, with a challenging target of around 170 runs.
As for the weather conditions, there will be clouds in the sky on April 18 at Mullanpur. However, they are expected to clear up as the evening progresses. The temperatures will range between 29 and 25 degrees Celsius. The humidity is predicted to increase from 30 percent at 7 pm to 49 percent at 11 pm IST, according to accuweather.com.
Fantasy Tips and Key Players
When making today match prediction, it's crucial for fantasy cricket enthusiasts to analyze the key players who can have a significant impact. Suryakumar Yadav from MI has consistently shown his ability to convert starts into big scores. Although he may have scored 52 runs in just 3 matches in IPL 2024, Yadav's knack for rising to the occasion makes him a fascinating prospect with great fantasy value.
Another player to watch out for is Sam Curran from PBKS, who has been an outstanding performer in IPL 2024. With impressive stats of 126 runs and 8 wickets in 6 matches, Curran's all-round contribution makes him an invaluable asset for fantasy cricket. His aggressive batting style and remarkable skills further enhance his appeal as a top pick.
Where to Watch and Live Streaming Details
The PBKS vs MI IPL 2024 match will be streamed on the JioCinema App and telecast on the Star Sports Network on April 18, Thursday, from 7:30 PM IST. Stay tuned to catch all the action live!
In conclusion, the PBKS vs MI clash in IPL 2024 promises an enthralling showdown. Both teams are eager to redeem themselves and secure a crucial win. With players like Suryakumar Yadav, Sam Curran, and Hardik Pandya ready to make an impact, fans can expect a thrilling battle between bat and ball. Don't miss out on the excitement and tune in to watch the match live!