IPL 2024 – Match 33, PBKS vs MI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians Share Equal Wins and Losses in IPL 2024 so far.
PBKS vs MI: In the 33rd match of IPL 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 18 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali.
The Punjab Kings enter the match following a defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in their most recent encounter. The team, led by Sam Curran, lost to RR by three wickets. So far, they have played six games, securing two wins and suffering four losses. As a result, they currently hold the seventh spot on the points table with four points.
On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians secured two consecutive victories against the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru before losing their last match against the Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs. They have also played six matches, earning two wins and four losses, which places them in eighth position on the points table.
What to expect?
Both teams are coming into the match after losing their previous games. They will strive to improve their performance in the upcoming match to keep their playoff hopes alive in the tournament. Both teams will give their all to secure the vital two points.
PBKS vs MI Toss Prediction
So far in the IPL, Mullanpur has been the setting for closely contested matches, and neutrals hope to see another exciting game in this match. While there have been a few high-scoring games in the tournament, team totals at this venue usually fall between 170 and 190 runs.
This is only the fourth IPL game at Mullanpur, with two wins from teams that chose to field first and one victory for a team batting first. Based on the current trend, both teams will likely opt to bowl first if they win the toss.
Strengths & Weaknesses
PBKS’ Strengths
In the last match, the Punjab Kings’ bowling attack stood out, with excellent performances from Kagiso Rabada (4-0-18-2) and Sam Curran (4-0-25-2), taking the game down to the final over. The Kings hope their key players maintain this impressive form.
Additionally, Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have made vital contributions towards the end of the innings, securing strong finishes for the team.
PBKS’ Weaknesses
Shikhar Dhawan’s absence at the top of the order will be keenly felt, especially as Jonny Bairstow has been struggling with poor form, putting increased pressure on the all-rounders in the middle order to contribute with the bat. The Punjab Kings have faced challenges with consistency in their batting lineup, particularly at the top, where both Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh have not scored many runs.
MI’s Strengths
In their last match, the Mumbai Indians saw an outstanding performance from their captain, Rohit Sharma, who scored a brilliant 105*(63), marking his second IPL century of the IPL.
The Mumbai Indians have enjoyed the steady contributions of their top-order batsmen, including Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, who have been consistently scoring runs.
MI’s Weaknesses
Jasprit Bumrah has been in excellent form within the bowling attack, yet no other MI bowler has made a significant impact. In the last match, Bumrah bowled an economical spell of 4-0-27-0, but he lacked the necessary support from his teammates.
The overall team performance has suffered due to the lack of support for their star players in both the batting and bowling departments. Even their captain struggled in the final over, conceding 26 runs against MS Dhoni.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings at MYSI Stadium in Chandigarh promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams are aiming to rebound from their previous losses and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Mumbai Indians possess strong top-order batting with consistent performances from players like Rohit Sharma, while Punjab Kings boast a talented bowling attack with key players such as Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran. The MYSI Stadium has seen close matches in the past, and the venue’s tendency to favour bowlers could make for a competitive contest.
Both teams will be striving for a crucial win to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot, and it will be interesting to see how the strategies play out in this game.