🏏IPL 2026: MI vs Punjab, 24th Match, Mumbai, 16th April 7:30pm IST🏏 - Page 4

18:10 Local Time, 12:40 GMT: The stage is set for a high octane clash at the Wankhede Stadium as the Mumbai Indians prepare to host the Punjab Kings in Match 24 of the 2026 season. Historically, this has been one of the most balanced and unpredictable rivalries in the league, with both sides frequently trading blows in high-scoring thrillers on this fast Mumbai outfield. Coming into this game, the Mumbai Indians are desperate to find their rhythm and climb the points table after a tough start under Hardik Pandya, while the Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, look to maintain their momentum and solidify their spot near the top of the standings.

Looking at previous performances, both teams have relied on their seasoned stars to make an impact in this specific fixture. For Mumbai, Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma have a clinical scoring record against Punjab’s attack, while Jasprit Bumrah remains the ultimate X-factor with his ability to stifle batters in the death overs. Punjab Kings have found their heroes in players like Arshdeep Singh, whose left-arm swing is a constant threat at the Wankhede, and Shashank Singh, who has developed a reputation for finishing games from impossible situations. With both sides boasting explosive power-hitters, fans can expect a barrage of boundaries tonight. The toss and final teams will be up shortly.

Pitch report by Danny Morrison and Michael Clarke: "Well, always gorgeous to be here in Mumbai, and I've got to say, the weather has been outstanding, not a cloud in the sky. When you think of dimensions, we know it's not the biggest ground going around, so I'm batting here from the southern end. To my right is 61 metres, to my left is 67, and straight back at the sightscreen is only 75 metres. Now then, Aussie pitch doctor alongside, Michael Clarke. This looks all right. Danny, beautiful conditions again. That sun's magnificent. This pitch is always magnificent. Great for batting. What I love when you come to Mumbai is you get that extra bit of grass coverage. It just keeps the pace in the wicket, particularly with the brand new ball. For the quicks, you get that speed, but then batting, it's perfect. The ball comes on nicely. This wicket hasn't been used this season yet in the IPL, but was used through the T20 World Cup. I think it's gonna be good for batting. I think both teams will want to chase. I think it's gonna be high-scoring."

PBKS

There shouldn't be any other doubts over player availability, and when placed next to each other MI and PBKS might seem equal, MI might even look better with Hardik, Bumrah, SKY, Tilak and Boult in. What they don't have is a cohesive unit firing like the one PBKS has. The batting flows nicely from the openers - Prabhsimran and Priyansh - to the middle order - with Shreyas and Shashank. Arshdeep's form hasn't been great. But they have found Vyshak and Chahal is back to his best.

Let's get the big news out of the way, no signs of Rohit Sharma yet, reports Sruthi Ravindranath, our correspondent from the ground. There were doubts over his participation since he walked off last game due to a hamstring issue. Will he not make it? Who will replace him? Will Danish Malewar get a chance? What about Quinton de Kock? What do you think?

Thanks for the tag

Easy win for pbks

"What is bigger problem for MI? Rohit missing or Bumrah not taking wickets?" Right now, it might be the former

7pm Toss time. Ravi Shastri in with the captains. Hardik will spin the coin, Tails is the call. It's Tails. PBKS will bowl

PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first.