IPL 2020 MI vs KXIP Match 36: Preview, Playing XI Predictions, weather report

Tags: Indian T20 League 2020, Mumbai XI vs Punjab XI, 36th Match at Dubai, Oct 18, 2020, Punjab XI, Mumbai XI

Published on: Oct 18, 2020

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

It will be the battle of contrasting fortunes when Mumbai Indians take on Kings XI Punjab in match number 36 of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With six wins in eight matches, including the last five in a row, Mumbai are well on their way to progress to the play-offs. KXIP, in contrast, have been below ordinary despite their openers skipper KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal being the top two run-getters in IPL 2020 so far. They would be glad to have broken the losing jinx against RCB though, the only team they have beaten in this year’s edition so far

If we look at Mumbai, they hardly have a weak link in their line-up. After a poor start, Quinton de Kock has hit a purple patch with three fifties in four matches. Skipper Rohit Sharma has not got the big runs of late, but he has looked good every time he has come out to bat. Suryakumar Yadav has played some fruitful knocks at number three while Kieron Pollard and the Pandya have delivered the fireworks at the end of the innings.

As for their bowling, they have, arguably, the most potent line up in IPL 2020. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult have done an excellent job. James Pattison has provided them wonderful support. In the spin department, leggie Rahul Chahar has made his impact by picking key wickets, and being economical as well.

KXIP won their last game against RCB, but they have a mountain to climb against Mumbai. While Rahul and Agarwal continued their excellent run in the previous game, Punjab would be pleased with the bossy return of Chris Gayle. With Nicholas Pooran also in form, KXIP have a ‘Fab Four’ in the batting.

It is the bowling that will continue to worry KXIP, particularly the amount of runs they leak in the death overs. Mohammed Shami has been one of the big culprits here, constantly allowing batsmen to go after him. At the same time, they would be happy with the success of Murugan Ashwin and Chris Jordan in the previous game.

Head-to-Head: MI have a 14-11 win-loss record against KXIP in 25 matches.

MI Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult

KXIP Predicted XI: KL Rahul (C&WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh

Pitch report

The pitch at Dubai is getting slower with spinners coming into play more as the match progresses. The dew factor though remains.

Weather conditions

It will be hot again with the highest temperature in the mid-30s. It will cool down as night approaches.

--Renin Wilben

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