MI vs KXIP: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab will be locking horns with each other in match number 24 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season. The match is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium on April 10. KXIP are third on the table, whereas, MI lie on the fifth position. However, MI have a match in hand. Here's the detailed match preview.
The two teams have met each other on 23 occasions. MI have won 12 times as against KXIP's 11 victories. At the Wankhede, the teams share a 4-4 tally. Earlier this season, KXIP got a well deserved eight wicket win in Mohali.
Mumbai haven't quite done well with the bat this season. They have been inconsistent. The Rohit Sharma-led side cannot afford another poor outing with the bat. The skipper himself hasn't scored freely while the middle order has looked shaky. MI have been largely dependent on the lower middle order to come and produce the goods. The hosts have work to do in batting department.
MI's biggest strength is their bowling which has gained some shape in recent times. The pace attack has variety and depth. Alzarri Joseph and Jason Behrendorff will want to perform at home. Jasprit Bumrah's presence is vital for the side.
KXIP were on top gear against SRH in the previous match and chased down the target with ease. Notably, the batting unit delivered the win after facing issues in the chase against Chennai earlier. KL Rahul holds key for this KXIP side. In-form batsman Mayank Agarwal too is crucial and this promises to be an enticing affair with the battle being against MI's bowlers.
R Ashwin has led this KXIP side well to date. The likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami and the others have chipped in with the ball as well. KXIP will be aiming to feed on MI's batting weakness and have a solid crack.
The weather is expected to be humid with no rain in forecast. A good batting surface along with some pounce for pacers will greet the two teams. Anything above 180 will be a strong total. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and can stream the same on Hotstar app.
