IPL 2014 Match 36 prediction: Hyderabad (54%) expected to defeat Mumbai (46%)

By Shashi Mittal On May 11, 2014

Prediction methodology

Note: Starting match 14 onwards, we are using only the data of IPL 2014 to predict the outcome of the matches of the current series.

Prediction: Hyderabad (54%) predicted to defeat Mumbai (46%) (Match scorecard)

The defending champions find themselves near the bottom of the points table. However, the blame is on them for putting themselves in such a situation. Their think-tank must seriously consider their strategy of sending lightweight batsmen for opening, while holding back their best hitters - mainly Corey Anderson and Keiron Pollard - for the late in their batting innings. Despite trying out so many opening pairs, they are yet to settle on one of them. In their previous match against Chennai Super Kings, neither Pollard nor Anderson got to bat till the 18th over. A few late hits by Anderson got them to a respectable total of 157, but one can only wonder what if Anderson had been sent up the batting order. A higher total on the board would have greatly increased their chances of a win, given that it took Chennai up till the last over to chase down this total.

Sunrisers Hyderabad seem to be gathering momentum after a dull start to their campaign in this season. While their bowling has been rock solid, their batting can still get better. Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the two teams currently with the lowest batting strike rate as a team, so this is likely to be a low scoring contest. Sunrisers Hyderabad however have the advantage going into this match, and this mainly because of their better bowling attack. Mumbai Indians have Lasith Malinga, but other than him their bowlers have been fairly pedestrian and have failed to take wickets. Ultimately Mumbai will have to fall back on their batting - and unless they getting their batting order right, this will be another easy match in Sunriser's kitty.

Cricmetric's current prediction success rate for IPL 2014: 19/35 (54%)