Indian T20 League 2019: Match 9, Punjab vs Mumbai – Dotball Fantasy Cricket Guide

It is a day game which could be a crucial factor in the outcome.

Published - 30 Mar 2019, 12:44 IST | Updated - 30 Mar 2019, 12:44 IST

3 Min Read

Mumbai’s road win against Bangalore would have given them much needed confidence after their deflating loss against Delhi in the opener, but Punjab are no pushovers at home. It is a day game which could be a crucial factor in the outcome.

Venue: IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.

Conditions: Mohali is a wicket that supports spin, and expect similarly dry and slow conditions for this game as well.

Injury updates: Adam Milne has been replaced by Alzarri Joseph after the New Zealander was ruled out of the tournament.

Fantasy Tips: If you are looking for possible captain choices for a head to head contest, you could go with these ‘Safe Captain Choices’

Rohit Sharma: The captain of Mumbai has looked in silken touch and given how games v Punjab have historically been high scoring affairs (average total of 196 in the last 8 clashes), he is the safest bet.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Mumbai racked up 186 the last time these two teams played but Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers with 2/18 off 3 overs. Expect similar numbers from him again.

Hardik Pandya: One never wagers against an all-rounder in a fantasy squad. And Hardik Pandya’s bowling, while not exactly economical does present possibilities of wickets.

However if you are willing to take a bit more risk in a grand league contest, maybe consider these ‘Risky Captain Choices’

KL Rahul: He has been a consistent scorer in this encounter but so far has struggled to get out of the blocks. But if he does, watch out.

Kieron Pollard: Pollard has looked battle ready so far and is likely to put points on the board but the only risk is if he will get enough of an opportunity as a finisher.

Chris Gayle: Gayle’s form has been encouraging so far but he is very volatile which mean he is worth a long punt just in case he lights up Mohali.

Expert Advice

Chris Gayle has been in the groove but it is KL Rahul who needs to find his form, and a home game might give him the perfect opportunity to finally get going in the league.

Mayank Agarwal and Sarfaraz Khan will likely put up runs against Mumbai bowlers in middle overs followed by Miller and Mandeep Singh, who can provide a strong finish. Mohammed Shami, Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rehman will be their key bowlers against Mumbai. Meanwhile, Surya Kumar Yadav alongside Pandya brothers will likely be amongst run-getters for Mumbai in the middle order with Pollard as a finisher.

The addition of Lasith Malinga along with Jasprit Bumrah proved to be match-winning combination against Bangalore but on a spin-friendly track in Mohali, the likes of Markande may play a much more crucial role so expect Mumbai to play an extra spinner.

The Prediction:

Given their slant towards spin, and the fact that their batsmen have all yet to hit the straps and might do so in home conditions, Punjab would be slight favourites to win a moderately high scoring encounter.