IPL 2021: MI vs PBKS – Match 42 – Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

Mumbai Indians are having a torrid time in UAE and have lost all their three matches so far in the second leg of IPL. The biggest worry for the franchise has been the form of two of their middle-order players, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan. The duo has struggled to find the rhythm that has led to Mumbai not being able to post big scores. The top order has not contributed much either.

Advertisment

But still, if there is any team that can make comeback from this situation then it is definitely MI. Yes, they have slipped to seventh on the points table but it’s just a matter of one win.

Meanwhile, their opponents Punjab Kings' (PBKS) over-reliance on KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal is clearly visible. Once the openers depart, there has been no support from the middle order. The bowling though has done well. 

Pitch Report

Advertisment

The match is going to be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The surface has been two-faced and gets slower as the match progresses. Both teams prefer chasing but batting first will be a wise decision.

Predicted Playing XI

Mumbai Indians

Advertisment

Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Harpreet Brar, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh

Key Players 

Rohit Sharma

Yes, the skipper has struggled in the games so far but that doesn't take away the quality he poses. He has got good starts and a big inning shouldn't be too far away. Any given day, Rohit bats for a decent amount of time, Mumbai will end up posting a big score.

Kl Rahul

PBKS captain Kl Rahul has currently scored 401 runs and has led the team’s batting line-up ably. He seems to be in the form of his life and will be keen to have a good game against MI.