The Mumbai Indians would want to get back on track when they meet the South Australia Redbacks at Durban on Tuesday. The Indians lost their first game against the Highveld Lions, a game that they looked like winning till the last couple of overs. The Redbacks, however, won their first game against the same opposition, defending a big score.

It was more than an upset when the Indians lost their game against the Lions. Looking at how the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dispatched their respective opponents, it was a missed chance; a chance to make a statement to the other teams.

The bowling was a problem for the Indians. Zaheer Khan, who was playing his first competitive game after some time, was expensive. Even Lasith Malinga, the man who is normally very economical in this format, gave away 12 runs in his last over, giving the Lions a chance to press hard. They did and scored 18 off the last over getting the total past the 180 mark. Ryan McLaren was allowed only one over and the fifth bowling option proved costly with JP Duminy, Rajagopal Sathish and Kieron Pollard conceding at more than 12 runs an over.

Their batting too was predictable in terms of approach. The middle order lacks some big hitters and Pollard could have been promoted up the order, with the side needing 97 runs in the last 9 overs. Sachin Tendulkar looked very good in his knock of 69. He was given a reprieve early in his innings, surviving a very close LBW shout. It was his wicket that allowed the Lions to get back into the game and eventually win it.

The Redbacks beat the Lions through some good batting by their captain Michael Klinger and Callum Ferguson. However, there was no meaningful contribution from any other player which could be a worry for the Redbacks. Their bowling too was wayward and lacked discipline. They were helped by some poor shot selection from the Lions players.

The Shaun Tait and Sachin Tendulkar encounter has been billed as one to watch out for and it looks like it will live up to its name. Tendulkar looks to be in good touch and Tait will enjoy the extra bounce that the Kingsmead surface offers. The confrontation could be livelier if Tait were to bowl under lights.

The Indians will start as favorites despite their first match loss and the Redbacks will have to keep Tendulkar quiet if they were to have a chance.

Tag :- Kieron Pollard   Michael Klinger   Mumbai Indians   Sachin Tendulkar   South Australia Redbacks   Zaheer Khan