IPL 2021: KKR vs MI – Match 5, How can Kolkata Knight Riders pile the pressure on Mumbai Indians by defeating them?


IPL 2021: KKR vs MI – Match 5, How can Kolkata Knight Riders pile the pressure on Mumbai Indians by defeating them?

Kolkata Knight Riders

The head-to-head record between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) reads a staggering 6-21. Such has been the defending champions’ domination that they have always had KKR’s number. The record seems beyond repair at the moment but the best KKR can do is to bring it to 7-21 and pile the pressure on MI who ended up losing their opening fixture of the tournament.

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KKR on the other hand, had a good start to the tournament as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with an excellent batting performance following by some clever bowling. Having just completed the match, the mood in the KKR camp is bound to be upbeat while MI will be wary of a second loss in a row which could make for a cause for concern.

On that note, we take a look at how KKR can defeat MI today.

IPL 2021: KKR vs MI – Key for KKR #1: Middle order should come good

Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi
Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi

The top order delivered for KKR last time around as both Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi got fifties. While the two were on song, it looked like a score in excess of 200 was on the cards. However, their wickets led to a flurry of dismissals as Andre Russell, Eoin Morgan and Shakib Al Hasan fell for low scores. KKR would want more of the three overseas batsmen in the middle order.

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It was only a cameo from Dinesh Karthik which took KKR past 180 and the side would want the wicket-keeper batsman to continue in the same vein. Now, the key for KKR would be for the middle-order to contribute against MI. The Men in Blue have a quality bowling line-up and one can’t be sure that the likes of Rana and Tripathi would come up with such stupendous knocks again.

IPL 2021: KKR vs MI – Key for KKR #2: Don’t let MI accelerate in the middle overs

Prasidh Krishna David Warner
Prasidh Krishna

MI have Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan at No. 3 and No. 4. Now, these two are excellent with regard to their intent, especially in the middle overs. The duo and MI in general, don’t let the run-rate dip during the middle-order nor do they let the bowlers dictate the tempo of the match. They tend to go after the bowlers and up the ante while keeping the scoreboard ticking.

This is where it would be key for the KKR bowlers to put pressure in the middle overs. Wickets would be one golden way to do it. Tight bowling could also do the trick. The pacers Prasidh Krishna and Pat Cummins were given a few overs in the middle overs and they could be tasked with the same. Similarly, Varun Chakravarthy would play a huge part and if he comes good, KKR will breathe easy.

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