Even in a dead rubber, the two teams participating can often come with contrasting objectives. Monday will be no different as the last Group B match in Champions League will be played between Mumbai Indians and Sydney Sixers.
Sixers have already qualified for the semi-finals with three straight wins and are looking to keep their momentum going. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians - the defending champions - have a confirmed return flight soon after the match. To them, the match is no more than an opportunity to go out with some respect after two losses and a no result in the three matches played.
Sydney Sixers knocked down the high flying Highveld Lions by five wickets in the match played on Thursday. Mitchell Starc’s three-star bowling was supported by Shane Watson and Josh Hazelwood who picked up two wickets apiece. Watson then also top scored with the bat to propel the run chase.
Monday will however be different and in a way test of the Sixers’ character as well. Watson has been called back home earlier due to test season starting next month. Therefore, Sixers now need a replacement for their anchor man. Captain Brad Haddin remains confident that his team is still strong and can pose a stiff challenge even in the matches that matter more.
Mumbai Indians lost a close thriller to Chennai Super Kings after both the teams played an inconsequential match on Saturday. Dinesh Karthik was the biggest positive from that match as he plundered 74 including six sixes in a breathtaking display of batting.
Overall though the campaign has been a disappointment and it looks rather difficult for such a misfiring side to pose a serious challenge to Sixers. Although Lasith Malinga picked up five wickets in the last match, he has not had the sort of impact that the team management expected him to have in the earlier matches.
The match starts at 5.30pm local time.