Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians: Match Preview
Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians are all set to have a go at each other in the 54th match of the Indian Premier League at PCA stadium in Mohali, today, May 10, 2011.
After five consecutive defeats, hardly anyone would bet on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833 trouncing Mumbai. A glance at the points table indicates that today’s match will not affect their standings. However, the two teams will lock horns for pride and respect.
While the Kings XI needs to put their best players in the field, the Indians will have the luxury to try out their young guns ahead of the crucial play-offs.
Although, the Kings were not anywhere near the favourites for the tournament, they showed a lot of character by notching three wins out of their first four games in the league.
After the initial bout of success, Punjab went downhill and have suffered five consecutive defeats. The decline was dramatic as the losing streak has shattered the team’s confidence terribly.
The Kings have been relying too much on their batting trio of, Gilchrist, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Praveen-Kumar-c82600 have not been up to the mark.
Failing to produce consistent performance, the Punjab team now needs to strengthen their not-so-impressive middle order.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians, on the contrary, have nothing to lose since they have already stormed into the next round.
Although, the team was heavily dependant on the captain, Sachin Tendulkar and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ambati-Rayudu-c1007 earlier in the tournament, Rohit Sharma joined the party and chipped in with valuable contributions in the recent matches.
With inform http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Davy-Jacobs-c1343, the Indians have a side which can fire from the first ball of the innings till the last.
The highest wicket-taker of the tournament, Lasith Malinga, has been fast and furious throughout the competition. Meanwhile, the presence of Munaf Patel and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Harbhajan-Singh-c61453 strengthens the Mumbai attack further.
Looking at Mumbai’s winning run and the Kings’ poor form, the balance falls in favour of the Indians.
However, The Kings XI, under Gilchrist’s sparkling command, would be looking to upset the tide. Mumbai might have a tough game at their hands.
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