The two teams have been struggling to get back to winning ways find themselves in a must-win situation. Unfortunately, both sides have struggled to find the right balance in their squad.
Overview
Middle-order has been a concern for both these sides. RCB has been heavily dependent on Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal for runs. A B de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell need to rise to the occasion. Whereas, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s form has been the biggest difference between MI’s progress as compared to the last season. The two teams have been seen scoring freely only against the new ball. In the last five matches, the average power play run rate has been above 9 runs per over.
Stats that Matter
Since 2015, AB de Villiers has muscled the MI bowlers during the death overs at a strike rate of 249.40.
Virat Kohli surprisingly has a poor record against MI. He averages a mere 27.92 against MI and has been dismissed thrice in five matches.
RCB has lost seven matches in a row in UAE
Over the years RCB’s bowling spearhead Yuzi Chahal has been a real threat to MI. He has picked up 19 wickets in 13 matches. However, Ishan Kishan has smashed the leg spinner all over the park and has scored at a strike rate of 216.
Glenn Maxwell has managed only 293 runs against MI. Moreover, he has been dismissed by Bumrah on six occasions.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Wanindu Hasaranga has not been impressive in his first two games. Unfortunately, time is not the luxury with RCB anymore they need to get back to winning ways if they aspire to a play-off spot this season. Since the seam/fast bowlers have been more successful in Dubai they can bring in Kyle Jamieson and Navdeep Saini instead of going with a spinner. Kieron Pollard is one of the biggest threats for RCB on Sunday. Pollard has scored at a strike rate of 160 during the middle overs this season.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai’s strong bowling unit is probably the only difference between them and RCB this season. Anukul Roy can come in as a like-to-like replacement for Krunal Pandya, who has been struggling in UAE so far. Rohit Sharma will be tempted to attack Kohli with Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Chahar right from the word go. A B de Villiers has been the biggest threat to MI.
Pitch Report
The wicket favors seam/fast bowlers. In the previous 5 games, the average first inning score has been 170 for 6. In the last 5 games side batting first has won. Captain winning the toss will opt to bat.
Clean Hitters
Royal Challengers Bangalore: AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, and Glenn Maxwell
Mumbai Indians: Kieron Pollard, Rohit Sharma, and Quinton de Kock
Death over Bowlers
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Harshal Patel, Kyle Jamieson, and Mohammed Siraj
Mumbai Indians: Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Bolt
5 Must-Have players in your fantasy team
AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard