The 13th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will be played between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday. Both teams have had identical starts to their IPL campaigns – a dominating win sandwiched between two close losses including a Super Over heartbreak.
Despite being termed as hot-favorites to win the tournament, MI’s batsmen have failed to show consistent performances, however, the team would be happy with Ishan Kishan’s breakthrough knock against RCB although he did fall one run short of a well-deserved century. There is a lot of room for improvement in the bowling department as well with Jasprit Bumrah looking rusty.
ALSO READ: Shivam Mavi Helps KKR Registered A Dominant Win Over KKR
On the other hand, Punjab’s openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are in the form of their lives with both scoring a century each. However, they will be hoping for more from the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Karun Nair, who are yet to fire in this competition. The last time these two sides faced off in IPL 2019, Kieron Pollard pulled off an impossible win despite KL Rahul’s maiden IPL ton. Mumbai Indians also lead in the head-to-head between these two teams with 13 wins to KXIP’s 11.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. KL Rahul vs Trent Boult
One of the best limited-overs batsmen, Kl Rahul will be facing one of the finest modern-day pacers, Trent Boult and it promises a lot on paper. The KXIP skipper is the highest run-scorer in the tournament and he would be looking to continue his form. Rahul has an excellent IPL record and on the other hand, Boult has been consistent in taking wickets.
ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Match 13 (KXIP vs MI) – Fantasy XI Predictions
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 at a strike rate of 22.8. He will be looking forward to making an impact for sure.
#2. Kieron Pollard vs M Ashwin
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.
The pitches at venues in the Middle-East make shot-making slightly more difficult, which is why someone like M Ashwinmight trouble the MI veteran. Pollard can be a huge blessing for the Punjab-based franchise.
#3. Glenn Maxwell vs Krunal Pandya
This is a battle of unconventional cricketers, if we may call it so. The KXIP all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell was the highest run-scorer for his team in the IPL 2014 when the tournament took place in UAE as he had amassed 552 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 187.75. However, he has been dismissed by MI all-rounder, Krunal Pandya four times in 43 balls.
ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Match 13 (KXIP vs MI) – Probable Playing XI
Maxwell’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.
