MLC 2024
A win will guarantee the Super Kings a place in the playoffs, while also putting them in a three-way tussle for a top-two spot © MLC
Nicholas Pooran was left exasperated and frustrated on the field in MI New York’s failed defence of 237/4 just two nights ago in Dallas. He and Tajinder Dhillon had done all the heavy-lifting in the first half of the game, only for the bowlers to squander an opportunity to kick on after a lethargic start to the season. At the end, Pooran doffed his hat to Shimron Hetmyer for his scintillating 95 off 35, but also provided a stern assessment of his team’s bowling efforts. “It’s just simple, you bowl to the big side as much as possible, you bowl into the wicket, execute yorkers and bowl as wide as possible. In this day and age, to quality batsmen, if you keep bowling in the slot, you’re going to get hit for sixes.”
However simplistic this sounds, Pooran’s bowlers need to heed this advice if the 2023 champions are to make it past the group stage. They’re currently second-last with only one victory in six attempts. Over the last two days, Seattle Orcas, who suffered a torrid start to the season with five back-to-back losses, have learnt to bounce back with two wins in as many days. But Orcas’ slow start still means that at least fourth spot is within reach for Pooran & Co, should they manage to straighten their lop-sidedness.
For the Super Kings, life is without the complications of relying on other results – beat MI New York and secure playoffs qualification. The Super Kings have occupied the spectrum right between the top-two gallopers and the bottom three underperformers. They’ve only lost one game more than the top two, and have the opportunity to pile on MI NY’s misery to get within two points of second-placed Freedom. A win against MI NY will not just guarantee a spot in the next round but also put them firmly in a three-way tussle for a chance to make it to the first qualifier.
When: Texas Super Kings vs MI New York, 21st Match, June 29, 07:00 PM Local time
Where: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
What to expect: Chasing teams have enjoyed life a little more at this venue, winning 7 of the 11 games so far. Though bowling hard lengths into the surface with change of pace has worked, big totals have been made and surmounted. MI New York have lost all three games they’ve played at this venue, while Texas Super Kings have one win in three.
Team News:
Texas Super Kings
TSK benefitted from the two changes they made in the previous fixture – a win that followed two successive defeats. Left-arm quick Zia-ul-Haq returned figures of 1-24 in four overs and spinner Akeal Hosein was instrumental through the middle, with figures of 2-10 in 3 overs. Faf du Plessis’s side should retain the same combination for what will be the last game in Dallas.
Probable XI: Smit Patel(w), Faf du Plessis(c), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Marcus Stoinis, Donovan Ferreira, Calvin Savage, Shubham Ranjane, Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Nandre Burger, Zia-ul-Haq
MI New York
Pooran has bowling headaches to contend with. His leading wicket-taker this season – Naveen ul-Haq, went off midway through his spell with an injury two games ago. Remains to be seen if he is ready to return.
Probable XI:Monank Patel, Quinton de Kock(w), Nicholas Pooran(c), Michael Bracewell, Kieron Pollard, Delano Potgieter/Heath Richards, Tajinder Dhillon, Sunny Patel, Ehsan Adil/Naveen Ul Haq, Trent Boult, Rushil Ugarkar
© Cricbuzz
