Mumbai Indians(MI) and Lucknow Super Giants(LSG) will play the 26th match of the Indian Premier League(IPL) in the first clash of the doubleheader on Saturday, April 16 at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
Mumbai Indians:
The Rohit Sharma-led side have gotten to a forgettable start to the season. They are yet to register a victory in this IPL, facing five consecutive losses, and they have a lot to work on ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Two run-out dismissals proved to be very costly in their previous game and they might be tempted to go in with Fabien Allen as the all-rounder in place of Tymal Mills.
They are at the bottom of the deck and have struggled to even field 4 overseas. They are yet to find the right combination. This will be a crucial game for them and a loss here could put curtains to their campaign.
Lucknow Super Giants:
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants are heading into the game on the back of a loss in a thriller by 3 runs against Rajasthan Royals. This has led them to fifth position on the points table. the Lucknow Super Giants have played really well so far, winning three of their five games and are currently at the fifth position in the points table.
The KL Rahul-led side lost their previous game against the Rajasthan Royals in a close encounter and Marcus Stoinis who is batting at number eight seemed to have cost them the game. They also have a quality squad and are likely to go in with the same playing XI.
WAGING ODDS: MI (1.80) VS LSG (2.05)
MI are the favorites and are priced at 1.80, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹180.
LSG are the underdogs and priced at 2.05 meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹205.
Our Prediction:
Given that it is an afternoon start, the conditions will be fairly be in favor of Mumbai Indians, who played their last three games in the evenings in Pune. With small boundaries on offer, it will be the day for the batters in the match. As the odds suggest, Mumbai Indians are likely to get away with the win.
Prediction: MI to win the match.
