By Fans of MI and Sunrisers Hyderabad might find themselves searching for ways to mend broken hearts after both teams endured heartbreaking losses in their IPL 2024 opening matches. Despite MI’s history of opening match losses, with 12 since 2013, their recent defeat to Gujarat Titans, needing 48 off the last six overs and ending at 162/9, was particularly painful. SRH’s loss to Kolkata Knight Riders was no less dramatic. Chasing 209, they needed 60 in the last four overs. Heinrich Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed reignited hopes, narrowing it down to 7 off 5 before Harshit Rana clinched the win for KKR.
In the face of such setbacks, securing an early victory becomes crucial for healing. MI, having won their last two encounters against SRH, including a comfortable chase of 201 in Hyderabad, seems to have a slight edge. SRH, on the other hand, aims to overcome their string of six home defeats from the previous season, starting strong in their first home match of this edition.
The anticipated clash will take place on Wednesday, March 27, at 19:30 IST at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The pitch, known for balancing the contest between bat and ball, suggests a par total of 180-plus based on last season’s performances.
The head-to-head record tilts slightly in MI’s favor, with 12 wins to SRH’s 9. Since IPL 2020, MI has dominated, securing 5 victories out of 7 matchups.
MI and SRH to Mend Early Setbacks
Sunrisers Hyderabad will miss Wanindu Hasaranga, as confirmed by captain Pat Cummins. He mentioned, “He’s definitely not in India. I think he’s seeing a specialist. Hopefully, I’ll have more information on him in the next few days.” Strategic use of Cummins and Washington Sundar against key MI batsmen, exploiting favorable matchups, could benefit SRH. Cummins has previously dismissed Ishan Kishan four times, and Sundar has taken Rohit’s wicket thrice.
Mumbai Indians face the absence of Suryakumar Yadav, with no update from the National Cricket Academy regarding his participation. MI might consider deploying Piyush Chawla against Mayank Agarwal, who struggles against right-arm legspinners, and Jasprit Bumrah, who has dismissed Agarwal thrice. However, they should exercise caution with spin against Klaasen, given his formidable strike rate yet susceptibility to spin dismissals.
Interesting to note, Rahul Tripathi, after a stellar IPL 2022, has seen a dip in form, and Jasprit Bumrah is on the verge of becoming the second Indian pacer to reach 150 IPL wickets, trailing only Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Pat Cummins emphasized the importance of home advantage, stating, “I think IPL is always…teams that have done well…you got to make your home a fortress. We’ve got some experienced (players) in our team that have played a lot here. So we’ll use that experience. It’s really important to win at home.” This match promises to be a crucial moment for both teams as they look to bounce back and set a positive tone for the rest of the season.
