Two of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be locking horns with each other on Monday. The defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be seen in the middle in the 10th match of IPL 2020. Although both teams have won one out of their two-match they have played so far, the mood is quite different on both sides.
On one hand, MI came back strongly after suffering defeat against with a resounding performance against KKR. Captain Rohit Sharma struck form in the previous game, which helped MI to win the match. The morale among the RCB roster succumbed to the KXIP bowling attack after a fiery knock of KL Rahul. Despite boasting of a power-packed batting unit, RCB lost the game. As for their bowling unit, led by Yuzvendra Chahal failed to produce a positive result.
RCB will be put into a stern test in the form of the Mumbai Indians, against whom they have an inferior record. Both their games against the four-time champions in IPL 2019 ended in defeat, despite both fixtures were complete humdingers. Although MI are the clear favorites and have momentum on their side, they can’t afford to take Virat Kohli and his men lightly.
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With the likes of AB de Villiers and Aaron Finch looking to make a strong comeback after their poor show against KXIP, MI will have to be on their toes as both the team will be eyeing to win their second match in IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Virat Kohli vs Trent Boult
One of the best limited-overs batsmen, Virat will be facing one of the finest modern-day pacers, Trent Boult and it promises a lot on paper. The RCB skipper could not do much with the bat in the first two games, so he would be keen to get some runs on the board. Kohli has an excellent IPL record and on the other hand, Boult has been consistent in taking wickets.
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Apart from being genuinely quick, Boult will be playing the role of a wicket-taker. He claimed 63 wickets in international cricket in 2019. In IPL 2019, Trent Boult had picked up 5 in as many games scalps at a strike rate of 22.8. He will be looking forward to making an impact for sure.
#2. Kieron Pollard vs Yuzvendra Chahal
The flamboyant MI all-rounder, Kieron Pollard played a crucial role in his team’s batting outfit last year. His stunning numbers in 2019 reveal the kind of impact he had on the tournament — 279 runs at a strike rate of 156.74. He would look to carry on from where he left off last year. While he was equally dangerous against pace and spin last year, his battle against slow bowlers on UAE surfaces would be interesting to watch.
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The pitches at venues in the Middle-East make shot-making slightly more difficult, which is why someone like Yuzvendra Chahal might trouble the MI veteran. Pollard can be a huge blessing for the Punjab-based franchise.
#3. AB de Villiers vs Krunal Pandya
This is a battle of unconventional cricketers, if we may call it so. The RCB veteran, AB de Villiers was the highest run-scorer for RCB in the IPL 2019 when he had amassed 442 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 187.75. However, he has been dismissed by MI all-rounder, Krunal Pandya four times in 43 balls.
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ABD’s battle with Krunal promises to be an enthralling one as the latter has often been seen fooling the all-rounder more often than not. The MI all-rounder is one of the best bowlers in the middle overs, and Maxwell will have to bat at his sensible best to unsettle Pandya.
