IPL 10: Can Kings XI stay afloat?

Mumbai: Despite an impressive 14-run win over second placed Kolkata Knight Riders in Mohali on Tuesday, Kings XI Punjab must win their remaining two games to harbour hopes of a playoff berth and Glenn Maxwell’s side next take on table-toppers Mumbai Indians in their penultimate clash at Wankhede stadium here on Thursday.

Punjab’s last game is away against Rising Pune Supergiant on Sunday while Mumbai travel to Kolkata for their final league game of IPL-10.

Maxwell has been in form for the visiting side but hasn’t made a big score yet. His Australia team-mate Shaun Marsh has also been contributing at the top. Manan Vohra has shown occasional brilliance, while Hashim Amla has gone back to South Africa after scoring two centuries including one against Mumbai Indians in Indore. Jos Buttler’s 37-ball 77, however, inspired a chase of 199 with eight wickets to spare. Maxwell will hope the toss goes his way as chasing has been the preferred option here.

Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma have bowled well mixing their deliveries and Axar Patel has been hard to get after in the middle overs. Amla’s replacement in last game Matt Henry of New Zealand can be handful on this wicket with his pace and bounce.

Leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia turned the last game and will be key against the likes of Rohit Sharma who has struggled against wrist spinners.

Mumbai Indians were outclassed? by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game but they have been in rampaging form especially at home. They have lost only one game here this season of the overall three defeats. Mumbai Indians were the first team to make the playoffs and a win on Thursday will confirm a top two finish which means they will have home advantage in Qualifier 1 here on May 16.

None of the Mumbai batsmen are in the top ten scorers’ list, yet they have won nine games out of 12 which shows every batsman has put his foot forward when required.

Players like Karn Sharma, Lendl Simmons and Mitchell Johnson have come off the bench and contributed well when given the chance.

Mitchell McGlenaghan has taken crucial wickets while Jasprit Bumrah has been lethal especially in the death overs. The home side will though want more accuracy from Lasith Malinga as the knock-outs draw closer. Harbhajan Singh has been economical this season, while the Pandya brothers Hardik and Krunal can play crucial a part in all aspects of the game.