IPL 2019: Match 56, MI vs KKR, Preview - Kolkata chase for a playoffs spot while hosts desperate for a top-two finish

Both sides have a goal to attain, which makes the group stage finale a humdinger of an encounter.

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Kolkata Knight Riders
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Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)

After a nerve-wracking contest against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians confirmed their status in the playoffs in a bid to win their fourth IPL title. Although many might consider this game to be of greater importance to Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai too will go all guns blazing to confirm their place among the top two.

They have been maintaining a streak in IPL since 2013 to win the tournament every alternate year (champions in 2013, 2015, 2017) and fans are expecting them win yet again, given the way they have been going this season. Some of their big players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are stepping up pretty much every game, making life a lot easier for skipper Rohit Sharma.

Kolkata on the other side will have to win this game at any cost. If Sunrisers win in Bangalore, their job will be all the more difficult as they have to hunt down their net run rate, which is pretty much out of reach. They do have the capability and striking power in their side to register a humongous win, but it will be very difficult to do it against Mumbai at the Wankhede.

Playing Combinations

Mumbai Indians

MI are expected to remain unchanged despite some concerns over their bowling department. Rohit Sharma started positively against SRH but couldn’t keep going. Suryakumar Yadav has been struggling in the middle order and might not get many chances with Ishan Kishan and Yuvraj Singh on the bench. Jasprit Bumrah was outstanding in the death and in the Super Over, and thus received the Man of the Match award. Malinga hasn’t been at his best but still has enough in him to be in the XI.

Predicted XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (C), Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Barinder Sran, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga

Kolkata Knight Riders

Shubman Gill currently is topping all headlines with his renditions and no wonder why he is rated so highly. Lynn too is getting back among the runs, but their middle order has too many options to consider. Sandeep Warrier grabbed the late opportunity with both hands and will definitely continue in the XI whilst Lockie Ferguson might partner him to replace Harry Gurney. As always, Andre Russell will be the focal point of their team with the bat and ball.

  

Toss Update: MI won the toss and opted to field

IPL-2019-PLAYING-XI-MIvKKR

Predicted XI

Shubman Gill, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (C & wk), Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa, Rinku Singh, Piyush Chawla, Sandeep Warrier, Lockie Ferguson

Focus will be on

Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)

One of Mumbai Indians’ greatest players of all time, Kieron Pollard kick-started the season with a bang but has slowed down a bit in the last few games. Nevertheless, he still is on a purple patch and is striking the ball very cleanly. He is known to come up with big performances in big matches as his track record suggests and maybe, this is the game where his performance will prove decisive.

Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)

In such a crucial encounter, sides always look to their biggest player to do something brilliant. Andre Russell currently is the most important player in the KKR ranks and they need his striking prowess once to be at its best to help the Purple army get into the playoffs. He will relish batting at the Wankhede and will have to be at his best with the cherry as well.

Which team is expected to win the match? – IPL 2019, Match 56, MI vs KKR: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Head-to-Head

Matches: 24 | KKR won: 06 | MI won: 18

Stat Attack

205.65 – Andre Russell’s strike-rate is the best this season among players with over 60 runs.

Broadcast details

TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Select HD

Live Streaming: Hotstar

Match Timings: 20:00 IST.

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