Mumbai vs Vidarbha , SMAT, Today Match Prediction 11 December 2024

MCA vs VDB Match Prediction & Analysis

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 quarterfinals are here! Mumbai will go head-to-head with Vidarbha in Quarter Final 4 at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur this Wednesday. Mumbai and Vidarbha both topped their respective groups in the league stage so both are in form and this is bound to be a close contest. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Mumbai Preview

Mumbai were excellent in the group stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, winning five matches and losing just one. They have a well-rounded team and will be confident of their chances in the quarters.

The team’s batting has been led superbly by captain Shreyas Iyer, who has collected 278 runs in 5 innings at an average of 69.50 and a strike rate of 200.

The experienced Ajinkya Rahane has plundered runs at the top and is fresh off a match-winning knock of 95 off 54 balls against Andhra.

The addition of T20 superstar Suryakumar Yadav has further bolstered Mumbai’s batting. Although he hasn’t got a big score yet, even a quick cameo from Surya can turn the game. Then there is Shivam Dube as well who can be highly effective against spinners in the middle overs.

The bowling department will lean on Mohit Avasthi and Shardul Thakur, who have each taken 12 wickets. Tanush Kotian, with 7 wickets at an economy rate of 7.45, is a reliable option as well.

Mumbai Predicted Playing XI:

Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (wk), Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi

Vidarbha Preview

Vidarbha finished the group stage on a high note, claiming the top spot in Group E with four victories and only one defeat. The team's batsmen have been in excellent touch, posting some impressive totals, and their bowlers have been equally effective, taking wickets at regular intervals and putting pressure on the opposition, making Vidarbha a tough team to beat.

Karun Nair has topped the team’s batting charts with 229 runs in 5 innings at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 177.51.

Jitesh Sharma and Atharva Taide have also been crucial to the batting efforts. Mandar Mahale is a reliable option to anchor the innings. 

Darshan Nalkande has been the standout performer of their bowling unit, taking 12 wickets in 5 innings at an economy of 8.70. We're also expecting Parth Rekhade and Dipesh Parwani to make an impact, as they've both been among the wickets and have the potential to cause problems for the opposition.

Vidarbha Predicted Playing XI:

Atharva Taide, Karun Nair, Mandar Mahale, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Apoorv Wankhade, Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Shubham Dubey, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Thakur, Dipesh Parwani

Weather Conditions

The KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur is a newer venue, and the pitch is generally batting-friendly. Expect a flat and hard surface with a thin layer of grass that won't offer much help to the bowlers. Seamers may attempt to use the new ball to generate some swing and challenge the batsmen early. As the game progresses, spinners could become more effective, particularly if the batsmen try to ramp up the scoring rate. The pitch tends to slow down and become more favorable for spin as the innings wear on.

The weather in Alur will be cloudy and mild, with minimal chance of rain, ensuring a full game is likely.

MCA vs VDB Pitch Report

With the pitch likely to be a flat and batting-friendly surface, the team that bats first will be looking to capitalize on the conditions and set a challenging target for their opponents. A score of around 170-180 runs will be an ideal target.

Toss: To Bowl

Batting second has been the way to go in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year and we reckon both captains will be looking to field first here.