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MI Key matches:

Usually dubbed slow starters, Mumbai Indians took the tournament by storm this season and went on to top the table early and consolidated their position. They won six of the first eight games in 18 days while losing twice to finalists Rising Pune Supergiant, against whom they lost the first qualifier on Tuesday as well. Mumbai have evolved as a near perfect unit to take on any opposition.

Big performances

Pathiv Patel (377) and Kieron Pollard (369) lead the batting charts while the bowling department is loaded with performers like Mitchell McClenaghan (19), Jasprit Bumrah (15) and Krunal Pandya (10). The side has the maximum number of players but quality hasn’t been compromised. A second-string side had won against Kolkata Knight Riders during their last home game.

KKR Key matches

Kolkata Knight Riders had started the tournament in style; winning four out of their first five matches before they slumped to defeat against Gujarat Lions. However, they bounced back well, by skittling out RCB for 49 before chasing down gigantic totals in style. Their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad too should help boost their morale as they had won just one out of their last five games.

Big performances

No one would have imagined that it would be Sunil Narine who would score the fastest half-century in the IPL but he is relishing the new role. Also, the way KKR bowlers skittled out the mighty Royal Challengers Bangalore for 49 runs at home was another power-packed performance from the former champions. They did a tidy job on Wednesday as well, restricting the defending champions to just 128 runs.