IPL 2021:Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals lock horns in do-or-die encounter at Sharjah

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will be locking horns with Rajasthan Royals in the 51st match of the ongoing IPL 2021 season at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium later in the evening. The match is scheduled to commence at 7:30 pm (IST). 

The MI vs RR encounter is nothing short of a do or die clash for both teams in repect to their chances of securing a much sought after play-off berth.A loss for either sides will put an end to their chances of making the play-offs.

After playing 12 games each and securing as many wins (5), both Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals are languishing at the bottom half the points table respectively. A win in the upcoming contest will keep them alive in the race of making the last four stage but it still might not be enough.Both the blue jersey donning teams would also need to win their last encounters and ensure Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders falter in their final group assignment. 

Rajasthan Royals kept their play-off chances intact after pulling off a sensational chase against Chennai Super Kings in their last encounter played on October 2. Chasing a daunting 189-run target, RR openers Evin Lewis and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided their side with an electrifying start and all-rounder Shivam Dube trailblazed his way to a whirlwind half ton to take the team home. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians would look to wean off a torrid run which continued with a 4-wickets loss to Delhi Capitals.

It has been a season marred by inconsistencies for both MI and RR, which has seen these previous title winners not peform to the best of their abilities.While the middle order batting unit has been a major worrying factor for MI, RR have been let down by their bowling on many ocassions.

In the overall context of the play-off scenario, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore are the three teams which have qualified for the play-offs in the ongoing IPL season. The battle for the fourth and final spot is very much on between the teams placed in the mid of the points table and the race to clinch the last berth might go down to the wire.