The Irresistible Force Meets the Moveable Object
The Mumbai Indians juggernaut rolls on, having won 3 on the bounce after initial setbacks. In contrast, PBKS have lost their way after a bright start, winning just 1 of their last 4. On paper, MI start as strong favourites. However, T20 is a fickle format, and PBKS have the potential to spring a surprise.
For MI, their top order holds the key. If the likes of Rohit, Kishan and SKY get going, they can post huge totals. They do need to be wary of Livingstone’s offspin and Rabada’s pace. Their bowling looks pedestrian but the Wankhede pitch may aid the likes of Chawla and Tendulkar.
PBKS rely heavily on Dhawan, and need the likes of Short and Livingstone to support him. If their top order fires, they can compete. They need Rabada fit – he has a good record against MI’s top order. The likes of Brar and Chahar will need to restrict MI in the middle overs.
MI start as strong favourites given home advantage and form. However, T20 is unpredictable, and if PBKS’s top order fires and Rabada is fit, they could stun the hosts. A score around 170-180 could be competitive, but if MI’s top 3 excel they may post well in excess of 200.
My prediction: MI to win a close match thanks to half centuries from Rohit and Kishan, and 3 wickets from Chawla. However, if PBKS bat with freedom and Rabada is fit, they could upset the odds. As the legendary Harsha Bhogle would say, in T20 cricket, nothing is impossible, and I wouldn’t rule out PBKS pulling off an upset! The only certainty is that this promises to be an absorbing contest between an irresistible force and a moveable object.
The key questions are: Can Rohit and Kishan build a platform? Will Rabada be fit for PBKS? And will MI be able to restrict the likes of Livingstone and Curran? The answers to these questions will determine the winner of what promises to be a thriller under lights at the Wankhede!
