IPL 2019: It’s now or never for KKR against Mumbai Indians
Placed fourth, SRH have a net run-rate of +0.653, which is comparatively better than fifth placed KKR's +0.173. @ BCCI[/caption] Kolkata Knight Riders’ hopes of qualification hang by thread. Their fate now depends on Sunrisers Hyderabad, who face already knocked out Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. If SRH lose and Kolkata win their last league game of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2019) against Mumbai Indians on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium, then it’s the two-time champions who will just sneak in. KKR registered a memorable seven-wicket victory against Kings XI Punjab on Friday that came on the back of an impressive knock by Shubman Gill, who ensured his side kept their Playoff hopes alive till the last league game. Placed fourth, SRH have a net run-rate of +0.653, which is comparatively better than fifth placed KKR's +0.173. In case, SRH lose to RCB, it will be like a quarter-final for KKR as a win will do the job. Mumbai will want to continue with their winning momentum. A win and a better run-rate than table toppers Chennai Super Kings and third placed Delhi Capitals will give them two shots for the summit clash. (ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik reveals what was said during his animated team talk against KXIP) On a batting-friendly surface, KKR would fancy their chances. With Chris Lynn and Gill on good run, Dinesh Karthik and Co. will want their game-changer Andre Russell to fire on all cylinder for this do or die clash. KKR’s bowling has been a concern and pacers Harry Gurney, Sandeep Warrier coupled with Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla will have to maintain discipline while bowling. Mumbai Indians, who have already qualified for the Playoffs, will want to exact revenge after suffering a 34-run defeat in Kolkata despite Hardik Pandya's breath-taking 91 off 34 balls. (POINTS TABLE) MI’s result will also determine who will be their opponent in the play-offs. It’s all to play for both teams. Can KKR edge out Mumbai? Let’s wait and watch! What: Match 56, Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders When: May 5 (Sunday) Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Time: 8 pm IST Weather: Partly cloudy with a maximum high of 31 degrees Celsius On TV: Star Network (in India) You can also follow LIVE coverage of the match on CricketCountry (Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders: SCORECARD) Teams Mumbai Indians With everything going right for the team, Mumbai will not want to tinker much with their set combination. Probable XI: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Rohit Sharma (captain), 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Evin Lewis, 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. Kieron Pollard, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Barinder Sran, 9. Rahul Chahar, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Lasith Malinga Kolkata Knight Riders With the Wankhede track aiding slow bowlers, KKR may also be tempted to play the extra spinner in chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who has been dumped because of poor form, at the expense of Andrew Tye. Probable XI: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Andre Russell, 5. Dinesh Karthik (captain and wk), 6. Sunil Narine, 7. Nitish Rana, 8. Rinku Singh, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Harry Gurney, 11. Sandeep Warrier Head-to-head record Number of times played: 24 MI wins: 18 KKR wins: 6 No result: 1 Tie: 0 Quotes “Feels good knowing that we are amongst the top four now. Not easy to come through the ranks and we have played some consistent cricket throughout and we have the results for it.” Rohit Sharma