Today's Indian Premier League-V (IPL-V) clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore has all the ingredients to be a cracker.
Both teams just don’t have a potent bowling attack; they are also loaded with some best power-hitters of the tournament. The Wankhede crowd can well expect a run feast if Chris Gayle, fourth highest run-scorer of IPL-V (433 in 10 games), gets going. Bangalore is not just a one-man army now. They have AB de Villiers, who has the potential to turn the tide anytime in the game.u00a0The South African single-handedly turned it around for RCB with a 17-ball 47 to chase down 182-run target against Deccan Chargers on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma (Left) examines Sachin Tendulkar’s bat during Mumbai Indians’ practice session at Wankhede Stadium yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK
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Virat Kohli may not have lived up to the expectations, but he has shown glimpses of coming back to form in the last few games. However, Tillakaratne Dilshan, who has scored 152 from five games, is not too worried about the over-dependence on Gayle-De Villiers. “It is true one or two guys can win matches in T20. So far it has worked for us. Gayle is carrying great form and AB is finishing well. If other batsmen can contribute some runs it will be great for us. We can’t rely on one or two players to win the tournament,” said Dilshan on the eve of the match.
Mumbai, meanwhile, will be hoping for big-hitter Kieron Pollard, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, to be fit for today’s game. The West Indian’s inclusion will further boost Mumbai’s batting, which has the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, James Franklin and Dwayne Smith. u00a0MI’s mentor and bowling coach, Shaun Pollock said Pollard’s availability will be known on the match day. “We will see how he feels tomorrow,” he said.u00a0
Bhajji’s wishlist
>> Kieron Pollard is fit
>>u00a0u00a0Lasith Malinga takes a fifer
>>u00a0u00a0There is no batting collapse
>>u00a0u00a0Chris Gayle falls early
>>u00a0u00a0AB de Villiers fails
Vettori’s wishlist
>>u00a0u00a0Chris Gayle gets going
>>u00a0u00a0AB de Villiers fires
>>u00a0u00a0Zaheer Khan strikes early
>>u00a0u00a0Kieron Pollard remains unfit
>>u00a0u00a0Team puts up a 200-plus totalu00a0
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