Punjab face uphill task against Mumbai

Updated on: 10 May,2011 06:39 AM IST |
A Correspondent |

Big-hitting Aussie could come good against Gilly's Punjab today

Big-hitting Aussie could come good against Gilly's Punjab today

Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab would be having contrasting aims when they face each other in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) here today.

While Mumbai, having assured themselves of a place in the play-offs, would be seeking to finish the league stage at the top of the table, the hosts, out of the reckoning, have only pride to play for.

Mumbai Indians' Andrew Symonds

It is bound to be an uphill task for Adam Gilchrist's men as the visitors come into the match with eight wins from 10 games. Punjab's task would be even more difficult after they lost the battle of the basement dwellers to Pune Warriors on Sunday. On the other hand, Sachin Tendulkar's team would be pumped up after beating Delhi Daredevils by 32 runs to confirm their top-four finish. Besides Tendulkar, Ambati Rayudu and Rohit Sharma have been on fire with the willow while big hitting all-rounders Kieron Pollard and Andrew Symonds are yet to come to the party.u00a0 Symonds has scored just 119 runs in eight games. Mumbai's lethal weapon has been Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga whose accurate yorkers bowled with a sling-shot action has rattled many a batsmen.

For Gilchrist, leading the Preity Zinta's team must have been a humbling experience after leading Deccan Chargers to title triumph in the second edition of the IPL. Punjab have now lost six of their nine games. Paul Valthaty and Shaun Marsh have been the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy season for them.