Punjab sorely need another win

The odds aren’t quite as stacked against Punjab Kings as it would seem when they meet Mumbai Indians in the second leg of IPL 2021. Punjab found the right XI in their close win against Sunrisers Hyderabad last game and could test Mumbai with their spinners and strong batting core. They have odds of 2.22 to pull off a win and it’s not beyond them.

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have had a very poor start to the season with three back-to-back losses against CSK, KKR and RCB. They have sunk to second last in the points table and their odds of beating Punjab, despite standing at 1.64, do not appear that likely.

Punjab surprisingly ahead in recent head-to-head

Despite the contrasting fortunes of the two teams over the years, Punjab Kings, who have been at the other end of the spectrum in terms of doing well, hold the edge over Mumbai in recent head-to-head encounters. Punjab have won three of the last five matche, including the one earlier in the season.

RECOMMENDED BET: Punjab Kings have a strong bowling group to test a faltering Mumbai batting line up. Back Punjab at 2.22 to beat Mumbai!

When these teams met earlier in the season, Punjab won by nine wickets after a KL Rahul half-century, which followed good spells from Mohammed Shami and Ravi Bishnoi. 

Keep an eye on… 

Mumbai’s middle-order: Once their biggest strength, Mumbai Indians’ middle-order has faltered with Suryakumar Yadav out of form and Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya contained with hard lengths. Ishan Kishan too hasn’t hit the groove. Punjab have seen what other teams have done to the middle order and will look to replicate the template.

Ravi Bishnoi: The uber talented spinner was shunned to sidelines at the start of the second leg, but came in last game to immediately make an impact. Bishnoi troubled Mumbai in the first leg too, and will be a player to watch out for.

TIP: Ravi Bishnoi is difficult to read for new batters and is a special bowler. Bishnoi has odds of 3.80 to be Punjab’s Top Bowler.