5:44:00 AM
Title-holders Mumbai Indians would be keen to
end their dismal five match losing run, but the task is easier said than done
as they will clash against table toppers Kings XI Punjab in an Indian Premier
League match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
The stadium was a mini fortress which could not be breached in
eight attempts last year as MI went all the way to clinch the title for the
first time. With the IPL action shifting to India after the initial phase was
held in the UAE, MI would be eager to turn around their floundering fortunes
after suffering five straight defeats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, would be equally earnest to
ensure that their five-match winning streak in the UAE is not snapped by last
year's champions.
Punjab have batted, bowled and fielded extremely well in the
first phase of the T20 League and another victory at the cost of the struggling
MI would enhance their last four qualifying hopes which are already bright.
It has been Mumbai's batting, more than their bowling, which has
caused their slump thus far in the tournament.
MI have tried out a few opening combinations and failed
miserably with captain Rohit Sharma, his Mumbai Ranji Trophy teammate Aditya
Tare, former Australia cricketer Mike Hussey and new signing Ben Dunk, also an
Aussie, all failing to get going.
