In the upcoming IPL 2024 showdown on April 18th, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will face off at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali. Currently, Punjab Kings hold the seventh position on the points table, while Mumbai Indians trail closely behind at eighth place.
Both teams have shown mixed performances this season, with PBKS securing two victories out of six matches, similar to MI’s record. In their recent matches, PBKS faced a defeat against Rajasthan Royals, despite Ashutosh Sharma’s notable contribution of 34 runs. Meanwhile, MI suffered a setback against Chennai Super Kings, despite a stellar 105-run knock from Rohit Sharma.
The head-to-head record between PBKS and MI stands at a close 16-15 in favour of Mumbai Indians, with both teams engaging in 31 thrilling encounters so far. In recent years, matches between these two sides have been closely contested, with MI holding a slight edge of 4-3 since 2020.
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As the teams gear up for their clash in Mohali, the dew factor hasn’t played a significant role yet, with captains often opting to chase. Expect the pacers to exploit favourable conditions, aiming to make an impact early on. With both teams eager to climb up the points table, the PBKS vs. MI encounter promises to be another exciting chapter in the IPL 2024 season, showcasing intense competition and thrilling cricketing action.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Shikhar Dhawan’s absence continues to be felt for at least two more matches at Mullanpur. On a positive note, Jitesh Sharma, despite a recent head injury requiring over a dozen stitches, appears ready to play on. However, Hardik Pandya’s bowling form raises concerns. With an economy rate of 12, he’s struggled this season, making him a potential target for Punjab’s strong finishers. Shashank’s IPL strike rate of 205.36 and Ashutosh’s consistent performance with a strike rate above 182 add weight to Punjab’s batting lineup.
Probable XI: Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, Sam Curran (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada
Mumbai Indians (MI)
The clash between Suryakumar Yadav and Sam Curran has emerged as a captivating contest. So far, Yadav has dominated Curran, scoring 52 runs off just 20 balls at an impressive strike rate of 260, while being dismissed only once. However, Yadav faces a tough challenge against Kagiso Rabada, having averaged just above 18 against him and losing his wicket thrice to the South African speedster.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd, Shreyas Gopal, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Shashank Singh, Mohammad Nabi, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran (vc), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Mohammad Nabi, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coatzee
