Poll‘h’ard blow looms over Kings XI

Having lost their previous Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in heartbreaking fashion, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will look to regain momentum when they meet at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Thursday.

Kings XI was at the receiving end of the highest successful run-chase in IPL history as Rajasthan Royals (RR) got to the target of 224 in Sharjah last Sunday. Similarly, holder Mumbai produced a remarkable fightback before going down to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a ‘Super Over’ on Monday.

Both sides, lying in the middle of the points table, have one win under their belt from three matches. So far, KL Rahul-led KXIP has failed to tighten the screws when it has mattered the most. In both its losses – against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan – the side found itself in good positions, but could not grab the important moments.

Its bowling looked out of sorts against Royals as it failed to defend a huge total. The department, led by Mohammed Shami and Sheldon Cottrell, would hope to be back at its best. Among the batters, captain Rahul and his partner Mayank Agarwal have been sensational, notching up a century each in IPL 2020.

The opening duo would be keen to continue its good run against a potent MI bowling attack. Head coach Anil Kumble would expect more from the middle-order, which comprises Glenn Maxwell and Nicholas Pooran.

Mumbai is blessed with splendid batsmen, with Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan making up the top-order. Apart from youngster Kishan, the rest failed to contribute heavily against RCB and will look to come good versus Punjab.

The quartet will be followed by big hitters Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. A major cause of concern for MI will be Jasprit Bumrah’s inconsistency. The pace spearhead has picked up three wickets in as many games and is yet to make a huge impact.

Bumrah will once again be supported by the likes of Trent Boult and James Pattinson.