MI vs CSK: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 is into its play-offs stage as table toppers Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings go head-to-head in the Qualifier 1 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Despite being a play-off tie, CSK are lucky to have the home advantage as the title holders eye a straight road to the final with a win. Here's more.
Mumbai knock out Kolkata, Chennai shaky against Punjab
Both these sides have played a fearless brand of cricket this term. If we talk about Mumbai, they maintained their domination over Kolkata Knight Riders at home, triumphing them to claim the top spot in the league table. As for Chennai, they are coming off a six-wicket loss to Kings XI Punjab, but did manage to remain in the second spot.
Rohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis among men to watch out
The teams are ought to field their best XI. Starting with Mumbai, the focus would be on skipper Rohit Sharma, who was prolific in the last match. He scored an unbeaten 55, while pacer Lasith Malinga's 3/35 too makes him a top bet. For CSK, Faf du Plessis struck a 55-ball 96 to steal the limelight, and would vie for the spotlight again.
Mumbai have the edge over Chennai
In head-to-head records, Mumbai have the edge. In 26 IPL matches, Mumbai have won 15, while Chennai have 11 wins. Of 23 IPL matches in India, Mumbai have won 14, while Chennai have nine wins. In Chennai, Mumbai have four wins of six matches, while Chennai have pocketed two. However, in four play-off matches, Mumbai have won just once, while Chennai have won thrice.
Another slow track in Chennai?
The Chennai track has been traditionally known to assist spinners, while this season, it has been even slower. On an average, the track has seen a score of around 140-150 this season. Moreover, the teams batting first have won four of the seven matches. The team winning the toss would ideally look to bat first, but bowling first won't be a bad option either.
Here's the predicted and Dream XI
MI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Mitchell McClenaghan, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga. CSK: Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Dhoni (captain), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir. Dream XI: Quinton de Kock, Rohit, Suryakumar, Watson, Faf, Pandya, Jadeja, Malinga, Bumrah, Chahar, Tahir.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Time: 8 PM (IST) Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional languages channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.
