Mumbai Indians will be playing for a playoffs spot, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will be trying to avoid the ignominy of finishing last when the two meet at the Wankhede on Monday.
Mumbai will definitely be having an advantage playing at their home ground, where their batters can flourish in favourable conditions. Batting has been Rohit Sharma’s team’s main strength this season and they will hope the likes of Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green can outplay the Sunrisers on Sunday.
A win will take them to 16 points, giving their playoffs chances a big boost. A loss will leave their fate hanging on the day’s second match, between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Mumbai’s net run rate is -0.128 and improving that will also be a target for them, because their direct rivals — RCB and Rajasthan Royals — both are better placed on that front. While RCB’s net run rate, as on Saturday, is 0.180, the Royals have 0.148.
Today’s match
■ Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30pm, Wankhede, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
