IPL 2021: MI vs PBKS – Match 42 – Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former faced a disappointing loss against RCB in their previous game. Though MI’s bowlers bounced back stronger against the powerful batting line-up of RCB, their batters yet again struggled to make an impact. No one could provide enough resistance in the middle overs as MI was wrapped up at just 111, handing a massive 54 run win.

Punjab Kings made an incredible comeback in their previous game after having lost a final over thriller to Rajasthan earlier. Kings’ bowlers put up an impressive show to knock out Hyderabad from the race and to keep their own hopes alive. The team defended the low total of 125 and emerged victorious.

This game will be important for both MI and PBKS. Both the teams desperately need some points to improve their rankings and stay in the battle of making it to the top four. 

Pitch Report:

The pitch of Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi has been a challenging one for the batters. The spinners are expected to get an edge on this surface. The teams have found chasing comparatively easier on this track.

Playing XI:

Mumbai Indians

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

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul (c, wk), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Chris Gayle, Ravi Bishnoi, Nathan Allis, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami

Key Players:

Jasprit Bumrah

The speedster has been one of the most important players for Mumbai. In the previous game against RCB, he clinched three crucial wickets of Maxwell, AB de Villiers, and Devdutt Padikkal. In the slog overs, he bowled an impressive spell to restrict RCB’s batter to 165. In the tournament so far, Bumrah has scalped 14 wickets.

KL Rahul

The flying starts by KL Rahul alongside Mayank Agarwal will be crucial for Punjab. The keeper-batter looked in good touch in the first game of the UAE leg and will be keen on taking the momentum further. He is currently the highest run-getter for the team, with 401 runs at an average of 57.28 in the league so far.