Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, Indian Premier League (IPL), Today Match Prediction 13 Apr 2019

mi vs rr Match Prediction & Analysis

It can be said T20 cricket is never over up until the last ball after watching the respective last matches of MI and RR. Mumbai Indians ended up winning after a single-handed assault from Pollard whereas RR lost the match in which they were ahead in the game until the last ball. Stand in Skipper Kieron Pollard carried the entire batting up last match scoring 83 runs in just 33 balls.

Their openers are yet to make a big score except de Kock's lone fifty. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are looking in good nick and chipping with runs whenever required. There could be straight swap between Rohit Sharma and Siddhesh Lad if the former is fit. Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendoff were good last match bowling in good areas in a pitch that is batsmen friendly. Rahul Chahar was the most economical bowler for them last match. Alzarri Joseph was taken for runs in his first two overs and never came back to bowl but he helped his team to chase down the victory off the last ball. Mumbai Indians seem to slowly gain momentum with three back to back wins.

Rajasthan Royals lost their match to CSK in a thrilling last ball finish. Rajasthan needs to win more matches soon to stay in contention for play-offs. They were ahead in most parts of the game. Jos Buttler is getting good starts but was out trying to be too aggressive. Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Tripathi are not yet scoring runs consistently and their form is a big worry.

Steve Smith, Ben stokes may enjoy batting in Mumbai surface after battling hard in the sluggish Jaipur track. Shreyas Gopal and Jofra Archer provided some fireworks to end the innings in a high. Dhawal Kulkarni and Jaydev Unadkat bowled well in powerplay and helped their team to restrict CSK to 24/4 at the end of 6 overs. Jofra Archer has been their best bowler this season troubling batsmen with his extra pace and slower ones. Shreyas Gopal and Riyas Parag bowled well in patches but failed to get a wicket in middle overs which proved costly in the end. Ben Stokes despite his brilliant Yorker to dismiss MS Dhoni was not able to contain 18 runs in last over. Every loss pushes Rajasthan closer to exit of the tournament from here. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Mumbai Indians Preview

Key Players:

Kieron Pollard – Pollard`s batting was the difference between the sides in the last two completed matches and he has scores of 17*, 46* & 83 in last three matches at a strike rate of over 180. 

Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah`s bowling figures may not look impressive, but he has been able to contain the batsmen in crucial junctures this season. He might be a force to reckon if you are trying to chase down the total against MI. 

Stats from the season:

Kieron Pollard -179 runs, Strike rate – 194, HS- 83, 50s- 1

Alzarri Joseph - 6 wickets, Economy -6 RPO, BB - 6/12

Mumbai Indians Predicted Playing XI:

Rohit Sharma/Siddhesh Lad (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Alzarri Joseph, Jason Behrendoff, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

Mumbai Indians Actual Playing XI:

Jason Behrendorff, Alzarri Joseph, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, JJ Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, SA Yadav

Rajasthan Royals Preview

Key Players:

Jos Buttler – Buttler has been giving good starts in every match but he needs to stay for a longer period and make a big score. He might like the pace on the Wankhade pitch. 

Jofra Archer – Archer has been excellent last match giving away just 18 runs in his 4 overs. He is bowling beautifully for Rajasthan this season.   He can also score some quick runs down the order.

 Stats from the season

Jos Buttler - 199 runs, Strike rate – 137, HS- 69, 50s- 2

Shreyas Gopal – 8 wickets, Economy - 6.7 RPO, BB - 3/12

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI:

Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler, Steven Smith, Sanju Samson (wk), Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag/Varun Aaron, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Rajasthan Royals Actual Playing XI:

Ajinkya Rahane, K Gowtham, Steven Smith, Liam Livingstone, JD Unadkat, Jofra Chioke Archer, SV Samson, Jos Buttler, DS Kulkarni, S Gopal, RA Tripathi

Weather Conditions

Mumbai Pitch is a high scoring one with good ball coming onto the bat. The pace bowlers may enjoy the pace and bounce in the track and will be more suited to them than the spinners. The Average score here will be 180 runs. Both the teams scored almost 200 runs last match here. The match day promises to be hot and humid and dew might come into play during later stages of match.

Toss: WIN the toss, BOWL First

Batsmen's ability to chase down any total and dew factor have forced teams to bowl first. So we can expect both captains to make use of the favorable conditions by batting second.