IPL 2017: MI v KKR, Game 7– Match Result Predictions

It should be a mouth-watering contest in our hands when the two powerhouses of IPL Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns tomorrow at the Wankhede Stadium. Both teams have a rich history and have gone on to lift the coveted title twice. While KKR started off their IPL 10 campaign with a resounding win over the Gujarat Lions Mumbai Indians lost their opening encounter against the Rising Pune Supergiant as captain Steve Smith played a heroic innings for the home team.

It was a Chris Lynn carnage which made light work of a competitive total set up by the Gujarat Lions as KKR strolled home by all 10 wickets chasing 184. Captain Gautam Gambhir played a brilliant hand and was the perfect foil for Lynn. Mumbai posted a good total on the board courtesy a late blitz by Hardik Pandya but a captain’s knock from Smith saved the home team from the blushes.

The Mumbai Indians have a clear advantage over the Kolkata Knight Riders winning 13 out of the 18 matches played between the two franchise so far. Kolkata has defeated Mumbai twice in the recent past but with the Indians playing in front of their home crowd it remains to be seen how the visitors responds to the situation.

Mumbai Indians have traditionally been slow starters so their defeat in the opening match shouldn’t be a too much concern for their camp. They will definitely take pride from their record against KKR which might reflect in their performance come the Super Sunday double-header at 8 pm.

So with the big match coming up let us have a look at the Prediction for tomorrow’s night game

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: MI wins the toss

Toss Prediction: MI choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 170-175

2nd innings Prediction: MI will win by 4 wickets (with 2 balls to spare)

Scenario 2: KKR wins the toss

Toss Prediction: KKR will choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 165-170

2nd innings Prediction: KKR will win by 5 wickets (with an over to spare)

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 18 MI won – 13, KKR won – 4, No result- 0

The two teams had some memorable battles over the years with Mumbai Indians getting the better of KKR on most occasions. Despite this fact, Kolkata will go into the match with their noses slightly ahead given the fact they won their opening match comprehensively. It will be a tough battle on our hands and to catch the live action please keep a track on cricktracker to get the latest updates on IPL.

Playing Combinations

Mumbai Indians

Jos Buttler played an exceptional innings batting at the top of the order and is expected to retain his place in the opening slot along with southpaw Parthiv Patel. One of the best-limited overs bowler Lasith Malinga is expected to make a comeback after completing his national duties. Captain Rohit Sharma will look to get off the groove and make an impact on their first home game of the season.

Veteran Harbhajan Singh is expected to make a return after a surprise exclusion from the opening match. Given his experience in the international level, it was quite a big move from the Mumbai Indians camp. Ambati Rayudu won’t be playing The rest of the playing XI which played the opening game against the RPS is expected to remain the same.

Predicted XI: Jos Buttler, Parthiv Patel, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Saurabh Tiwary, Nitish Rana, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell McLeneghan

Kolkata Knight Riders

The two-time champions will be bolstered by their sensational performance in the opening game against the Gujarat Lions. Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir will keep their opening slots courtesy their mindboggling innings while the middle order who was untested in Rajkot might be in for a tough challenge.

The middle order is studded with the Indian players who has played a very big role in their title triumph twice and is expected to play a big role tomorrow as well. Left-arm chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav was exceptional in his opening match and will look to replicate his performance in the 2^nd match.

Caribbean magician Sunil Narine who looked off colour against Gujarat will look to get back into his rhythm. He has been a match winner for KKR over the years and will definitely be a trump card for them come tomorrow. Umesh Yadav will miss out and is expected to be back for their 1^st home game on 13^th April.

Predicted XI: Chris Lynn, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Yusuf Pathan, Chris Woakes, Trent Boult, Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Sunil Narine

Despite the odds favouring the Mumbai Indians given their superior record over the Kolkata Knight Riders, the visitors will be a tough nut to crack at the Wankhede Stadium tomorrow

Do let us know your predictions in the comment section below.