Five-time champions need a big win over Hyderabad for a place in playoffs
MUMBAI: "No worries sir, we will make 200 in 13 overs, kya ho gaya (what happened?)," Mumbai Indians' talisman Suryakumar Yadav said in jest, when prodded about his team's Net Run Rate being inferior to Royal Challengers Bangalore, and a few other teams, on the eve of the five-time IPL champions' last league, and must-win game of this season, on Sunday afternoon against wooden spooners Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium.
|
IPL 2023 SCHEDULEIPL 2023 POINTS TABLE
It reflected the confidence that the flamboyant batsman and MI are brimming with, in their quest for an IPL playoffs spot for the first time since 2020, even as they stare at a sea of possibilities, permutations and combinations. Stuck in between a gripping, exciting climax to the league stage of IPL 2023 on Sunday, the hosts, jostling with three other teams for a berth in the next round, are desperately seeking a win against a floundering opposition.
A victory would take MI's points tally to 16, which would enable them to overtake the Rajasthan Royals (0. 148), who too have 14 points right now, but have a better NRR than MI.
After a Marcus Stoinis assault saw them lose to the Lucknow Super Giants in their previous match at Lucknow, MI will look to outplay the struggling Sunrisers in a way that their Net Run Rate (-0. 128) improves significantly too.
They would then hope that RCB, currently on 14 points and with a better Net Run Rate (0. 180), lose to the Gujarat Titans at night, in what would be the final league game of IPL 2023. In that sense, RCB have an advantage since they play last and would know exactly what they need to do to make the cut for the playoffs.
On Saturday, they needed Chennai Super Kings to beat the Delhi Capitals in Delhi, or LSG to lose their final game to the Kolkata Knight Riders (at Kolkata). CSK beat DC.
In a crunch game like this, MI would bank heavily on Suryakumar, who blasted a 49-ball 103 not out to help them to a 27-run win over GT the last time they played at the Wankhede. "It's just another game for us. We know what we have been doing at the Wankhede in the last four to five games. We know our strengths and we'll back that," 'Sky' said on the eve of the match.
The fact that MI will be playing their last match at their fortress - the Wankhede Stadium - will certainly fire up the players. "Playing in front of a home crowd is always an advantage. Anybody would want to end the league stage by playing at home and the support will also be good tomorrow. It is important to focus on ourselves and what's working for us and stick to that," he said.
Didn't change anything to find form: Surya
Coming off three consecutive ducks in the ODI series against Australia, Suryakumar rediscovered his form in the IPL with 486 runs in 13 games @ 40.50 and a mind-blowing strike rate of 186.92, in a tally which includes four fifties and one hundred. The Mumbaikar is the top run-getter for MI this season.
"Actually, I did not change anything. I was only thinking (about) what I had done in the last two years which has helped me and worked for me. I stuck to that, be it coming to the nets session or spending time outside with the family or with the teammates," he said.
1/10:IPL: Desperate Mumbai Indians eye big win over Sunrisers Hyderabad
IANS
2/10:MI need big win
<p>Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will be desperate for a victory by a big margin over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, in what could also be their last outing in 2023 Indian Premier League.<br /></p>AFP
3/10:SRH are already eliminated
<p>While SRH are already ruled out of the race to the playoffs, Mumbai Indians will be keen to make the most of their excellent show at the Wankhede Stadium this season so far.<br /></p>IANS
4/10:MI at Wankhede this season
<p>With four wins and two defeats, MI have certainly taken full advantage of their home ground, something that Rohit Sharma's men would want to continue as they also have the final opportunity to improve their Net Run Rate.<br /></p>ANI
5/10:MI are still in playoff race
<p>Unlike Rajasthan Royals who have finished the league round with 14 points and a superior NRR of 0.148, Mumbai Indians can do one better and end with 16 points, but they must also win big.<br /></p>PTI
6/10:RCB in pole position
<p>Currently at fourth, Royal Challengers Bangalore can be described as being in pole position since they have a better NRR of 0.180 than MI (-0.128) and RR.<br /></p>AFP
7/10:Advantage RCB
<p>RCB can also grab two vital points if they beat Gujarat Titans, but more importantly, Faf du Plessis' side would know what exactly is required of them since they play the last game of the league round.<br /></p>AFP
8/10:NRR
<p>Mumbai Indians' chances will get stronger if they win and RCB lose, whereas if they both win their respective games on Sunday, the NRR will come into play. <br /></p>AFP
9/10:Bowling a worry for MI
<p>MI's biggest concern, at Wankhede, has been their bowling which conceded four totals on the trot in excess of 200 and nearly a fifth against RCB, which has left their batters under severe pressure.<br /></p>IANS
10/10:MI batters
<p>Despite Rohit blowing hot and cold, MI's batting has pulled off difficult tasks with ease and the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Cameron Green, Ishan Kishan and Nehal Wadhera will be expected to go all guns blazing.<br /></p>AFP"I did not change anything. I knew I was batting well in the nets and everything was going well, and today or tomorrow that knock will be coming soon," the flamboyant batsman added.
