IPL 2020 |MI vs KXIP: Match Preview, Predicted XI & Dream11 Fantasy Picks

A rejuvenated Kings XI Punjab would take on the juggernaut called Mumbai Indians and would try and stop their winning momentum which has extended to five matches in this year’s Indian Premier League. This might be the battle of first versus last in the points table but MI can never take their opposition lightly, mostly because of the performances that the Kings have put in across the tournament. And especially the last one where they outrightly defeated the more fancied Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

Mumbai look ‘unassailable’ in Harsha Bhogle’s words and the team would like to maintain the same level when they take on the KL Rahul side. The bowling, batting, and the captaincy look all in sync for Mumbai and it looks like a side that other teams would envy for the right amount of balance. In their last meeting, the Kings were humbled by the Mumbai team by 43 runs and thus it would present them an opportunity to not only win the game and continue to harbour hopes for the playoffs but also exact revenge. 

Kings’ batting is brilliant and in the last game, their bowlers too did fantastically. With Chris Gayle making an impact in the game, it is likely that he would play the next game and can be a threat to Mumbai’s chances. 

For Punjab to progress, Gayle is the Key

With Gayle’s entry into the side, the Punjab team was able to finish the game even after one among Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul got out. This was exactly what was needed for the team. Although they found it a bit late in the tournament, it still isn’t too late as five wins in the next six games might take them to the playoffs, but six in six would surely seal the deal. This is why an in-form Gayle is a requirement for Punjab’s progress in the team. 

Mumbai need to take it easy

Sometimes while trying to prove a point and in an attempt to make a statement, teams try too hard to win all games. In that case, they might just overburden the players. In such a scenario, it is best advised that once they reach the 16 point mark, or even before that, Mumbai might like to try their bench strength so that an injury, if at all that happens (mostly it does) during the playoffs, they are not caught lagging. 

Quality-wise, they are at their best with everybody clicking, and thus going through the routines is what is required. 

Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab: Match Details

Match Number- 36

Date: 18th October 2020, at 7:30 PM IST, 06.30 PM Local, 2.00 PM GMT

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Broadcast: Star Sports and Hotstar

Pitch Report

The Dubai wicket in the course of the tournament has changed a lot as now it is not about scoring big rather about defending small totals. In the last four games at the stadium, the total has generally been in the range of 160-180 and most of the time, the team batting first has defended those totals, clearly suggesting that the teams would look to put totals on the board and defend it. 

Weather and Toss

The weather across the Emirates has been good for playing cricket so far. The humidity has drained down and the conditions have become soothing in the evening, sometimes also offering swing. Their dew is no problem in case of evening matches now and hence toss becomes important because teams would like to use the used wicket for their spinners to utilize it. 

Team News

Mumbai Indians

The team is totally fit and fine and performing in the best of their abilities. In such a case, changes in the team are hard to bring in. But if Rohit Sharma likes to experiment, we might see a Dhawal Kulkarni or Digvijay Deshmukh being given a chance to rest Bumrah for a game or two. Anukul Roy might also be given an opportunity at the place of Krunal Pandya.  

Expected XI

Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Kings XI Punjab

The Punjab team after finally finding a winning combination would obviously not like to disturb it until and unless there is some injury to any player. So in that case, we might expect the same XI that played against RCB for this match.  

Expected XI

Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab: Dream11 team and suggestions

Quinton de Kock (wk) (vc), Chris Gayle,  Mayank Agarwal,  Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (c), Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Nathan Coulter Nile, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah 

Captain: KL Rahul 

Vice-captain: Quinton de Kock

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