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IPL 2019, MI vs KKR: Who will stop Russell? Top 5 player battles of Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders match
Here are the top five players to watch out for in the MI vs KKR IPL 2019 match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
Their play-off chances hanging in balance, Kolkata Knight Riders will keep no stone unturned as they take on Mumbai Indians in a must-win Indian Premier League game on Sunday. Sunrisers’ loss against RCB on Friday made KKR’s job a lot easier. They won’t have to depend on Net Run Rate but they will still have to beat MI to qualify for the playoffs.
However, MI would like to carry on the winning momentum as 18 points and a better net run-rate than both first placed Chennai Super Kings and second-placed Delhi Capitals will give them two shots at qualifying for the final.
Here are the top five players to watch out for in the MI vs KKR match
Chris Lynn vs Jasprit Bumrah
Chris Lynn has been in good form at the top of the order for KKR this season. He has scored two half-centuries in his last five innings and much of KKR’s success depends on the kind of start Lynn provides at the top of the order. And that’s where Jasprit Bumrah comes into play for MI. Currently regarded as one of the best limited overs in the world, Bumrah has enjoyed a good time against Lynn. He has already dismissed the Australian opener twice in IPL and he would look to increase the number on Sunday.
Andre Russell vs Lasith Malinga
He may have past his hay days but Lasith Malinga still continues to be a force to reckon with for Mumbai Indians. With the kind of experience he has, it won’t be a surprise if MI captain Rohit Sharma entrusts Malinga with the responsibility to stop KKR’s most dangerous batsman Andre Russell. Russell got stuck into Malinga a week ago at the Eden Gardens and the Sri Lanka would look to give it back at Wankhede on Sunday.
Dinesh Karthik vs Krunal Pandya
The battle of the middle overs could be decided on how KKR captain Dinesh Karthik negates the threat of MI left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya. Rohit has already named Krunal as the game changer for MI and the senior Pandya has a good record against Karthik. He has dismissed Karthik twice in IPL and has conceded only 9 runs off 12 balls.
Rohit Sharma vs Harry Gurney
The last time KKR faced MI at the Eden Gardens, KKR’s left-arm seamer Harry Gurney got the better of MI captain Rohit Sharma and there is no reason why he cannot repeat it at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Rohit certainly would not like to believe the same way. He would once again look to give a solid start.
Hardik Pandya vs Sunil Narine
What Russell is for KKR, Hardik Pandya is for MI. He has been scoring at a strike rate of close to 200 in IPL 2019 and KKR will have to get him out early if they are thinking about winning this game. Sunil Narine is their best bet against Pandya. While the Indian all-rounder has been severe against the spinners, he has maintained a measured approach against Narine in the IPL. He only scores at a strike rate of 113.7 off Narine but he has not got out even once.
