We have arrived at that stage of the tournament where the scramble to
make the playoffs is in full swing. While the numerical possibilities
say otherwise, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are in all
likelihood through while the bottom four are out. That leaves a middle
cluster of three teams vying for the remaining two playoff spots. Both
Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad are in this cluster, meaning
their encounter on Monday at the Wankhede will be vital.
After 13 games each, Mumbai Indians have 18 points and Sunrisers have
16. Sunrisers face the tougher of the tasks on hand, and not just
because they have fewer points; Mumbai have won six out of six games at
the Wankhede so far this season. While Sunrisers too have a very good
home record - they've scored points in five of six at Uppal - they have
won only three away matches, all against teams below them on the points
table.
They can draw some confidence, though, from their showing on Saturday in Mohali against Kings XI.
There they first recovered from 52 for 5 to 150 with smart batting,
before their bowlers once again did the job. Also, as has been their
style at Uppal, they had restricted Mumbai Indians
to 129 earlier in the tournament, and then chased down the target with
ease, courtesy Shikhar Dhawan. They'll need all the confidence they can
get when facing Mumbai at home.
Form guide
Mumbai Indians: WWWLW (most recent first)Sunrisers Hyderabad: WLWWL
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