IPL 2019: Rajasthan, Bangalore fight for survival as they take on Mumbai, Punjab respectively

Mumbai will lock horns with an out-of-sorts Rajasthan while struggling Virat Kohli-led Bangalore will face in-form Punjab. Mumbai, having won their last three matches, are third on the table with 8 points and Rajasthan, seventh on the table, are still looking for only their second win in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

On the other hand, Bangalore have lost six matches on trot and are currently placed at the bottom of the table. But Punjab, have shown some great fight this season and are placed at fourth position with four wins and three reverses so far.

Mumbai stars Kieron Pollard and Alzarri Joseph, who have come up with two match-winning performances in the home team's last two matches, will be the players in focus.

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Skipper Rohit Sharma, who did not play the last nail-biting encounter against Punjab, is expected to return for this fixture. In Rohit's absence, stand-in skipper Kieron Pollard ensured Mumbai continue their good run as his whirlwind 83-run knock in just 31 balls helped the side script a three-wicket win.

The winning runs were hit by 22-year-old Alzarri Joseph, who has been the new sensation in this year's cash-rich league after he clinched six wickets for just 12 runs against Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, for Rajasthan, it will Jofra Archer, who had given the side a chance to defend 151 against Chennai, with a superb spell of fast bowling. In his four overs, Archer bowled one maiden, took one wicket and gave just 19 runs to register an economy rate of 4.75.

Talking about the second game between Bangalore and Punjab then the Virat Kohli-led side slumped to their sixth straight loss after going down against Delhi last Sunday. The side has been inconsistent with both their bowling and batting faltering in many occasions.

Barring Kohli's 33-ball 41 and Moeen Ali's 18-ball 32 cameo, Bangalore's ordinary batting display took the side to a modest 149/8,

Meanwhile, for Punjab, the side is largely dependent on their explosive openers K L Rahul and Chris Gayle, While Rahul registered his maiden century in the last game, Gayle smashed 63- in just 36 balls to give Kings a perfect start.

For Mumbai, skipper Rohit Sharma's unavailability might be a problem as the openers, Quinton De Kock, Siddhesh Lad failed to perform with the bat. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have also been dull this season. though Yadav scored in one game, it is not enough.

In bowling, Alzarri Joseph and Hardik Pandya's availability makes the department strong enough to defend any total. Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff are the extended strengths of the team. The two can surprise the opponent at any moment.

Talking about Rajasthan, then the side majorly relies on Jos Buttler. Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson are not performing to give their sides a win. Even Steve Smith and Ben Stokes aren't putting up a performance they are known for.

The bowling department of the team is stronger with Jofra Archer and Shreyas Gopal's presence. Ben Stokes, who dismissed Dhoni at a crucial stage, is an add on for the team.

Talking about the second game, the Bangalore need to settle their batting woes as De Villiers and Kohli are the only two players who are expected to perform. The team can also relay a bit on Parthiv Patel.

In bowling also, the team lacks strategy with Mohammad Siraj has been the costliest this season.Yuzvendra Chahal is the backbone of the side and is well supported by Navdeep Saini.

Talking about Punjab then apart from Gayle and Rahul, the side has David Miller and Karun Nair.The bowling department is also solid with the presence of Mohammed Shami, who took three wickets, and R Ashwin, who is in a terrific form.

So overall, both the games are a must watch encounter promising surprises and excellent displaying of cricketing skills.