Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is expected to make a comeback after recovering from a knee injury in Mumbai Indian's IPL match against Gujarat Lions on April 16, 2017, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. If the coach selects Malinga in the playing eleven, then New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee who was kind of expensive throughout this year's IPL campaign will be compelled to sit on the bench.
In another game of today's double-header, The Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on the Rising Pune Giants at 8 pm. The live updates of this game can be followed on Blasting News here.
Live updates
Mumbai Indians require another 57 runs with 7 wickets and 36 balls remaining
Mumbai Indians 120/3 (14/20 overs)
Gujarat Lions 176/4 (20/20 over) Malinga was expensive in today's game as he gave away 51 runs in his allotted four overs, but took one wicket.
Mumbai Indians win the toss and chose to field first.
The game begins at 04.00 PM IST.
Team News
Matthew McClenaghan leads the bowling department of the Mumbai Indians team. Unfortunately, he holds the most expensive economy rate among bowlers in this year's IPL. In their previous match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he showed glimpses of form, as he picked two wickets, including the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli by conceding just 20 runs.
On the other hand, the major point of concern in the Gujarat Lions dressing room is the absence of Dwayne Bravo. The Caribbean all-rounder has proved his mettle as a match-winner over the years, and his absence due to a hamstring injury will negatively impact the winning chances of Lions for sure.
The batting department of the Gujarat Lions is well settled with big names like Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, Smith, and Finch in the top slots.
Tv broadcast and live streaming details
Can @mipaltan combat the rejuvenated Lions at home? Aaj ke first match ke liye #TaiyaarReh! https://t.co/tzLNrmINPG#VIVOIPLonHotstar #MIvGL pic.twitter.com/ApN4Imunxz
— Hotstar (@hotstartweets) April 16, 2017
Mumbai Indians has been one of the most favorite IPL teams since the first edition of the IPL.
The team has a huge fan following in the US and India, and as a result record viewership is expected for this game. In India, this game will be shown live on Set Max and Sony Six. For the live streaming, visit Hotstar.
Pitch Conditions
The flat wicket at the Wankhede stadium is known for its batting friendly nature, and the curator predicts a big scoring match here on Sunday.
Toss will not be that crucial considering the nature of the surface, but still, the Captain who wins the toss will most likely bat first, as chasing under the lights will not be that easy.
Willow TV is telecasting this crucial game in the United States.