IPL 2021: SRH vs MI, Match 31 – How can Mumbai Indians continue their winning run today?

IPL 2021: SRH vs MI, Match 31 – How can Mumbai Indians continue their winning run today?

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) are a rejuvenated side at the moment. After an indifferent start that had them on two wins out of five matches, a loss or two would have put them in a spot of bother. However, two wins have followed and now, the Rohit Sharma-led side look like a champion outfit again. They will once again be one of the top contenders for the top four spots and potentially the title as well.

Their opponents for today are Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who are in all sorts of trouble at the moment. The Orange Army has just one win out the first seven matches and unless one of the most spectacular turnarounds in IPL history occurs, the now Kane Williamson-led side are definitely heading for the exit door. However, with nothing to lose, they could be a dangerous side on their day.

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

IPL 2021: SRH vs MI – Key for MI #1: Early wickets are key

Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow

SRH’s middle order has been their Achilles Heel for quite some years now. Although the same hasn’t showed much in the past due to the excellent form of the top order, this year, it has been completely exposed. The likes of Vijay Shankar are just not getting enough runs on the board, leading to all onus falling on the top order.

The key for MI would thus be to expose the middle order early and price out early wickets. The wicket of Jonny Bairstow would especially be key as he is among the few explosive hitters in the side.

IPL 2021: SRH vs MI – Key for MI #2: Bowlers must treat last match as a one-off

Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah

The MI bowlers were taken to the cleaners in their previous match against CSK. The likes of Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu were at their sparkling best as even Jasprit Bumrah was taken for 56 runs – his most expensive spell in IPL history.

The key for MI would be to not think too much about the thrashing their bowlers received in the last game and to approach this one with confidence. Treating the previous match as a one-off would be crucial for the bowlers to get back to form.

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