IPL 2018, KXIP vs MI: Who will win today's match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians

The equation is pretty simple. The setting will be the Holkar stadium in Indore. Mumbai Indians know that anything less than a win will put a dent in their hopes of qualifying for the IPL 2018 playoffs. Kings XI Punjab know that a win will send them to the top of the table.

With so much on the line and Kings XI Punjab coming back from an extended break, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top as Ravichandran Ashwin's side take on Rohit Sharma's team.

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Here is a look at how the game might go:

Date: 4th May, 2018

Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

Time: 8.00 PM IST

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If Kings XI Punjab bat first

Predicted Score - 185+

Kings XI Punjab might currently be in fourth place but they know that a win over Mumbai Indians will be enough to lift them to the top of the IPL table. Although they are coming from an extended break, Kings XI Punjab should look to get off to a good start against MI.

Considering the fact that they have the most destructive opening pair in the competition, that shouldn't be too hard. Chris Gayle and KL Rahul have been devastating and have often made a mockery of small chases. While batting first, they have shown that they can be ruthless and set the perfect platform for the middle-order.

Karun Nair has flown under the radar but has been an integral part of their batting line-up. The only concern was the form of Yuvraj Singh but he was dropped for Manoj Tiwary in their last game and it will be interesting to see if they stick with that change. The form of Aaron Finch is a concern as well but even he just needs one match to get going.

They will be facing one of the poorest bowling line-ups in the tournament so far and in a small ground, a big total is on the cards. How big, depends on how well the openers fare. Still, given Kings XI's batting prowess, a total in excess of 185 should be the least they expect.

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If Mumbai Indians bat first

Predicted Score - 170+

The equation is pretty simple for Mumbai Indians, who currently occupy the bottom spot in the league. They need to win all of their remaining games and hope that other results go their way if they are to have a realistic hope of making it through to the playoffs.

And they would do well to begin with a win against Kings XI Punjab. That is easier said than done, especially with the uncertainty regarding the fitness of Evin Lewis. If Lewis is indeed fit, he should come into the side in place of Kieron Pollard, who has been a shadow of his former self so far in the competition.

Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav have formed a potent opening combination and that allows flexibility regarding Rohit Sharma's role in the side. Considering the importance of this game, it wouldn't be a surprise if he is promoted. What MI need is not just their captain to fire but also their middle-order to contribute.

Krunal and Hardik Pandya have been far more effective with the ball than they have with the bat and that needs to change. Especially against a varied bowling line-up that Kings XI Punjab possess. If they can do that, then a total in excess of 170 should be easily achieved.

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Match Prediction

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this battle between a batting-heavy line-up and one that has struggled with its bowling. On a small ground, with plenty of big-hitters on both sides, this will be a high-scoring affair but just how much will depend on the openers from both teams. With a superior bowling line-up, Kings XI Punjab will start as favorites but MI shouldn't be ruled out, especially if they get an inspired display from their captain, Rohit Sharma.

KXIP vs MI Live Score

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