Mumbai Indians endured a disappointing campaign in 2021, but were widely expected to bounce back this year. So far, however, their season has been little short of a disaster. Lucknow Super Giants, meanwhile, have made an assured start in their inaugural season and will be targeting a valuable win here. But who will come out on top? Read on for our full Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants preview and prediction:
Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants Preview and Prediction
IPL So Far
Mumbai Indians started their 2022 campaign against Delhi Capitals, losing by four wickets as Delhi Capitals chased down a target of 172 relatively comfortably. Unfortunately for Mumbai, that rather set the tone. It was followed by defeats against Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders – with KKR’s Pat Cummins scoring a 13-ball half-century, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, though Mumbai did at least show some signs of life in the last match.
Lucknow Super Giants come into this match have won three of their previous five to leave them in fifth place but only behind Punjab Kings due to an inferior net-run rate. That may not quite be the return they were hoping for, however, after assembling a line-up rich in talent, particularly with the bat, but the two defeats they have suffered – against fellow newcomers Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals – were both very narrow.
Expected Teams
Mumbai Indians top-order of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav is well-stocked with talent in theory, but so far in Yadav has contributed consistently. Dewald Brevis has, however, impressed at number three. Tilak Varna will likely continue at five with Tim David currently out of the picture. Kieron Pollard has struggled at six, but has credit in the bank. Tymal Mills will be in next, with Jaydev Unadkat, M Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah and Basil Thampi completing the side.
Speaking of well-stocked top order, Lucknow Super Giants will open with KL Rahul and Quentin de Kock. Marcus Stoinis will bat at three, with Deepak Hooda at four and Ayush Badoni at five. Jason Holder will bat at six, with fellow all-rounder Krunal Pandya in the finishing role at number seven. Their bowling resources are not quite so extravagant, but K Gowtham, Dushmantha Chameera, Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi are a serviceable unit.
Prediction
With T20 a game of such fine margins, Mumbai Indians fortunes could improve at any moment. But this does look like a tough test for a side struggling to find their feet and fast running out of rope. Lucknow Super Giants are disciplined with the ball and have the potential to be explosive with the bat. Ultimately, that many more of their players are in-form and confidence in the Super Giants camp will surely be notably higher. Expect them to have the edge.
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