NEW DELHI:
Mumbai Indians and
Lucknow Super Giants, both out of contention for the
IPL playoffs, will face off at the Wankhede Stadium. Lucknow's playoff hopes are nearly extinguished after three consecutive defeats that not only cost them crucial points but also hurt their net run rate. Mumbai Indians, with just four wins out of 13 matches, are facing a disappointing season, especially after the pre-season controversy surrounding their change in leadership from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya.
Pandya's captaincy has been under scrutiny, with fans expressing discontent. Mumbai's batting unit struggled collectively, relying heavily on Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling performances. However, his efforts couldn't rally the entire bowling lineup.
(Here's a list of updated points table)Lucknow, despite KL Rahul's impressive batting performance, failed to capitalize on key moments due to a lack of support from other batsmen. Nicholas Pooran provided some late sparks, but the team's overall batting performance was inconsistent. Additionally, their bowling unit couldn't deliver consistently, compounding their woes. With both teams seeking to salvage pride in their final match, the focus will be on ending the season on a positive note.
Also see: Can RCB recreate 2016 success in IPL 2024 as Virat Kohli leads Orange cap race after win over DC?Head to head:In their head-to-head encounters, the Super Giants have been dominant, winning four out of five matches against the Mumbai Indians. However, facing off at the Wankhede Stadium brings its own dynamics into play.
Pitch report:The pitch at the Wankhede has been a mixed bag, offering something for every player on the field. From high-scoring thrillers to instances of swing bowling mastery by players like Trent Boult, and the spinners making their mark, the stadium has witnessed a variety of cricketing spectacles. With the wicket showing signs of wear and tear after six games, it's expected to retain its batting-friendly nature initially but might slow down gradually, favoring the slower bowlers as the match progresses.
Ground history:Looking at the statistics from IPL 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium, both batting first and second have resulted in an equal number of victories. The average first innings total stands at 184, while teams batting second have chased down an average of 173 runs. The highest total recorded was an impressive 234/5 by the Mumbai Indians against the Delhi Capitals, while the lowest total stands at 125/9 by Mumbai Indians versus the Rajasthan Royals.
Fantasy value:Considering the fantasy implications of the pitch report, top-order batters from both teams are likely to flourish, especially when the ball is new and the pitch is at its best for batting. As the match progresses and the pitch slows down, spinners could come into play, making them valuable picks for fantasy contests. Additionally, fast bowlers adept at using variations like slowers and cutters could prove effective, particularly during the death overs, adding depth to fantasy team selections.
Key players:1. Tilak Varma: He has been a standout performer for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, accumulating 416 runs in 13 matches. His consistency with the bat makes him a reliable pick for fantasy contests.
(Here's a list of updated Orange cap list)2. Jasprit Bumrah: He has been a key player for Mumbai Indians, showcasing his skill with 20 wickets in 13 matches. His ability to take wickets and maintain an economical bowling rate makes him a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
(Here's a list of updated Purple cap list)3. KL Rahul: The captain of Lucknow Super Giants, has amassed 465 runs in 13 matches. While he has been the leading run-scorer for his team, he has struggled to convert his starts into big scores in recent matches. However, his potential for a big innings makes him a worthy choice for fantasy contests.
Squads:Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Tim David, Shreyas Gopal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Anshul Kamboj, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Mohammad Nabi, Shams Mulani, Naman Dhir, Shivalik Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Arjun Tendulkar, Nuwan Thushara, Tilak Varma, Harvik Desai (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Luke Wood.
Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c & wk), Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Shamar Joseph, Yash Thakur, Manimaran Siddharth, Prerak Mankad, Arshad Khan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Amit Mishra, Kyle Mayers, Ashton Turner, Matt Henry, Naveen-ul-Haq, Devdutt Padikkal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mayank Yadav, Arshin Kulkarni.
Also see: CSK's IPL playoff chances: How can Chennai Super Kings qualify in 2024? The path to securing top two spotDream11 fantasy team:Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Nehal Wadhera, Tilak Varma
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis
Bowlers: Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, Naveen-ul-Haq, Arshad Khan
(Inputs from Agencies)