Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings face off at the iconic M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai for the 17th match of Vivo IPL 2021. Both teams have had contrasting returns this season so far. While Mumbai Indians have won 2 and lost as many, Punjab Kings have won only 1 match out of 4, that too on the last ball of the match. Their fielding and bowling have been below par so far in this tournament. If they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the Playoffs, they need to iron out these issues. 

Who are the favourites?

Mumbai Indians are the overwhelming favourites to win this contest. Albeit they lost to Delhi Capitals in the last match, expect them to bounce back against a deflated Punjab Kings outfit. A string of 3 losses for Punjab Kings needs to be corrected as soon as possible, but the mighty Mumbai Indians stand in their way. 

Scorecard Predictions

1) If PBKS bats first, they will score 160/7. MI will chase this down in 19 overs with 5 wickets to spare. 

2) If MI bats first, they will score 175/8. PBKS will score 170/9 and lose by 5 runs. 

Toss Prediction

Expect the captain winning the toss to bowl first, given that the pitch is flattish and would remain the same throughout the match duration. If dew settles in later in the evening, the team chasing has an added advantage. 

Market Tips and Odds (as of 11:00 a.m. IST 22nd Apr 2021 )

MI to win the match(Betway- 1.53)

Mumbai Indians should be able to adapt to the slow nature of the Chennai pitch and win the contest.  

Expect Rohit's men to bring up their third victory of the season. 

Betway Match Predictions-

The first ball of the match could be a dot (1.55)

Either Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh or Trent Boult would bowl the first delivery of the match. 

All these pacers have the ability to swing the ball in the air.

This makes them strong contenders to bowl a string of dot balls.

Mumbai Indians to have a higher opening partnership than Punjab Kings (1.80)

Rohit and de Kock, Mumbai Indians' incumbent openers have been a revelation for MI.

Expect them to have a heyday against Punjab Kings bowlers, who have borne the brunt a lot of times this season.

The first wicket of the match could be a catch (1.40)

The Chepauk pitch has been a touch tacky and sticky.

On such a slow pitch, batsmen tend to hit through the line to muster quick runs.

As a repercussion, they often get outfoxed by slower deliveries and cutters, handing catches to the fielders.