Mumbai set to improve their Kolkata record

Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders
Sky Sports 1, 3.30pm

Over the course of the season Mumbai Indians have been the most consistent side in the Indian Premier League and they can earn a rematch with Rising Pune Supergiant in Sunday’s final by silencing Kolkata Knight Riders.

Bookmakers have found it difficult to separate the pair but Mumbai did the double over Kolkata during the league phase and could have an important psychological edge when the pair clash in Bangalore.

Mumbai struggled for runs in their playoff defeat to Pune, but Stephen Fleming’s troops had lost just one of their previous six matches heading into the encounter.

Rohit Sharma’s men were chasing an accessible 164 in Tuesday’s defeat and the Indian skipper was quick to bemoan the lack of batting partnerships in their weak attempt at pursuing Pune’s score.

However, Mumbai have one of the stronger top orders with Parthiv Patel, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard and Sharma and if rediscovering their flair could tear apart Kolkata’s bowling attack, especially without the expertise of leading wicket-taker Chris Woakes.

Kolkata seem to be finding their form at the right time and the return of Chris Lynn will give their top order a huge boost. But they already have plenty of talent in their batting attack and this could be counter-productive.

It’s possible Mumbai may have peaked too soon. However, they have pretty much all bases covered with star quality in the crease, economical spinners and a variety of seamers who can cause Kolkata plenty of problems.

The County Championship returns in full swing this week and Division One leaders Surrey face a tough test at Middlesex, who have drawn their opening two matches with Hampshire and Essex.

Ireland are 11-4 to beat Bangladesh at the Village in a one-day international.

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