Bangalore Royal Challengers v Mumbai Indians, to be played Wednesday 28th May

The significance of this game will be largely determined by the result of Tuesday’s clash between Deccan and Chennai.   If Chennai win that encounter, Mumbai will be playing for pride only, while should Deccan turn over the Super Kings, Mumbai will be playing for the last playoff place.

Mumbai’s run of 6 straight wins was derailed first by Punjab and then, damagingly, by Delhi in their last game...

This may well be a must-win game for the Indians, and they will hope their opening pair of Tendulkar and Jayasuriya can continue to pummel the opposition – Jayasuriya has certainly played some of the most entertaining shots and innings of this competition.  

Tendulkar never really got to grips with the tournament after injury problems delayed his introduction, and Robin Uthappa has pretty much been a bust from start to finish.

Dwayne Smith hasn’t had time to make an impact, and may be in a battle for the last foreigner’s place with Dominic Thornely, while Shaun Pollock will surely play if fit in a tense decider.   Abhishek Nayar can provide some pop in the upper order.

The Mumbai bowling is all about Pollock, who has a tremendous record.  Fernando, Raje and Nehra will contribute, as will two of the other overseas players – Thornely, Jayasuriya and Smith all turn their arms over.

Bangalore have salvaged some pride with their last two results, first an ambush of Chennai and then prevailing over Deccan Chargers to avoid the wooden spoon.   This last result was very much a team performance, with several players chipping in with the bat to complement a very sound bowling effort.

The bowling was spearheaded by Dale Steyn, who bowled his four overs for just 19 runs.   Other excellent contributions came from Anil Kumble, Kohli and Kumar.

Jacques Kallis

Bangalore’s batting still has a fragile look about it, with only Rahul Dravid being a player you’d really bank on.   Jacques Kallis was one of the players to chip in against the Chargers - after an otherwise fairly poor tournament - and Pakistani destroyer Misbah-ul-haq also made a few runs.  Aussie Cameron White has had an atrocious run, but also made 30+ against the Chargers.

Overall, the chance of winning surely depends on the Chennai game on Tuesday.   If they beat the Chargers and make this game meaningless, I’d be happy to back Bangalore at any odds against.  If Mumbai are playing for their lives, then I think I’d leave this game alone.

Paul Sculpher.