MI vs PBKS is the 31st game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. After losing their opening two this season, Mumbai Indians (MI) have won three games in a row. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS), too, will be eyeing two points away from home. In their last away outing, PBKS grabbed a victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
The IPL match 31 will be played at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 PM.
MI vs PBKS Preview |Team Analysis & Squad Details
Let’s closely examine MI and PBKS – team analysis, squad, head-to-head record, and prediction.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI’s strength is its batting unit, which is improving after each match. Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan have been the most consistent performers, while Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Cameron Green have chipped in with crucial knocks. Tim David’s presence adds more depth to the franchise’s batting department.
Veteran spinner Piyush Chawla and Aussie pacers Jason Behrendorff and Riley Meredith impressed in the victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday. Chawla and Behrendorff have taken 13 wickets between them this season. Arjun Tendulkar, who opened the bowling for MI in the last two games, grabbed his maiden IPL wicket in the victory over the Orange Army in Hyderabad.
MI Squad
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- Tim David
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Cameron Green
- Tristan Stubbs
- Dewald Brevis
- Jason Behrendorff
- Duan Jansen
- Jofra Archer
- Riley Meredith
- Shams Mulani
- Vishnu Vinod
- Arjun Tendulkar
- Ishan Kishan
- Piyush Chawla
- Ramandeep Singh
- Raghav Goyal
- Arshad Khan
- Nehal Wadhera
- Kumar Kartikeya
- Hrithik Shokeen
- Akash Madhwal
- Tilak Varma
- Sandeep Warrier
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS have seen many ups and downs in their IPL journey, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, the franchise has hit its stride this season with impressive victories. The team has made wise investments in young talents and experienced T20 cricketers, giving the squad a fresh lease of life and a renewed sense of competitiveness.
Shikhar Dhawan will be delighted that the franchise found a new match-winner after Sikandar Raza’s exploits against Lucknow Super Giants. Shahrukh Khan is another player PBKS can rely on. The bowling unit is formidable, with the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and Rahul Chahar. Arshdeep is PBKS’ top wicket-taker with eight wickets, while overseas bowlers Nathan Ellis and Sam Curran have taken five wickets each.
PBKS Squad
- Shikhar Dhawan (captain)
- Vidwath Kaverappa
- Harpreet Brar
- Harpreet Singh Bhatia
- Baltej Dhanda
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rishi Dhawan
- Raj Angad Bawa
- Rahul Chahar
- Mohit Rathee
- Atharva Taide
- Arshdeep Singh
- Shivam Singh
- Sikandar Raza
- Sam Curran
- Nathan Ellis
- Liam Livingstone
- Kagiso Rabada
- Matthew Short
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Jitesh Sharma
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Gurnoor Singh
Head-to-Head – MI vs PBKS
MI and PBKS have a long-standing rivalry in the IPL. In their 29 encounters between both teams, MI emerged victorious on 15 occasions. PBKS grabbed a 12-run win over MI in the last meeting between both teams.
IPL 2023 Stats – MI & PBKS
- Most Runs: Tilak Varma – 214 runs (MI); Shikhar Dhawan – 233 runs (PBKS)
- Total Wickets: Piyush Chawla – 7 wickets (MI); Arshdeep Singh – 8 wickets (PBKS)
- Most Sixes: Tilak Varma – 14sixes (MI), Shikhar Dhawan – 8 sixes (PBKS)
Stats as on April 19, 2023
Winner Prediction – MI & PBKS
When MI and PBKS lock horns, it’s more than just another game in the IPL. It’s a rivalry fueled by the intense competition between two teams who have had some exhilarating battles over the years. Despite MI holding a slight edge in the head-to-head stats, PBKS could grab two points on Saturday.
Final Thoughts on MI vs PBKS
Fans will be excited to watch the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh, Suraykumar Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, etc. The IPL match 31 is sure to provide plenty of excitement.
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