GL vs MI – PREVIEW

While the day’s first match between Rising Pune Supergiants and King XI Punjab has nothing at stake, this one has a lot riding on it. It’s a must-win situation for both teams.

Gujarat, second on the table, would be through to the playoffs with a win. A loss could complicate things because of their poor net run rate (NRR). If 5 teams end up on 16 points, a likely scenario, Gujarat would lose out on NRR.

A win would see Mumbai through unless we witness major drama on the final match-day. A loss virtually rules them out of this IPL. With clear-cut equations for both teams, this should be a cracker to watch as both teams look to make the final four.

GL vs MI MATCH STATS

1. The teams played-out a thriller when they met earlier in the season. Gujarat, aided by Finch’s 67-runs, chased down Mumbai’s 143-8 off the last ball.
2. Suresh Raina & Aaron Finch have both scored 339 runs in IPL 2016 – Finch in 9 innings and Raina in 12.
3. Both teams have better results chasing. Gujarat have won 7 off 9 matches chasing & Mumbai won 5 off their 7 chases.
4. Both teams have also taken the fewest wickets in IPL 2016 – Gujarat have 61 to Mumbai’s 64.
5. Mumbai Indians seem to fare better at away games, having won 4 off 6 so far this season.
6. Rohit Sharma’s first 9 IPL innings of this season produced 5 fifties. The next four matches account for only 76 runs and a highest of 31.