Qualifier 1, the first Playoffs game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, will see two of the best teams of this season, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squaring off against each other on May 7. The match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai. Both Mumbai and Chennai have developed a strong rivalry over the years. CSK vs MI, IPL 2019 Qualifier 1, Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Imran Tahir, Rohit Sharma And Other Cricketers to Watch Out for at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Whichever team wins the IPL 2019 Qualifier 1 match tonight will make a direct entry to IPL 12 Final. The losing team, however, will get another shot at glory, when it clashes against the winner of IPL 2019 Eliminator match. Given the form that both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are in let us look at the predictions, winning chances, and past records. CSK vs MI, IPL 2019 Qualifier 1 Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians to Lock Horns at MA Chidambaram Stadium For Spot In Final.

Match Preview:

Both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings had a roller coaster of a campaign. Both teams began strong, faced a mid-league crisis, and eventually ended up on the top two spots. CSK had been favourites if their opponents weren’t MI tonight. However, the head-to-head record says otherwise. IPL 2019 Playoffs Time Table and Updated Points Table: Check Complete Schedule and Fixtures of Knockout Stage of Indian Premier League 12.

In IPL 2019 (MI vs CSK)

In the two matches that MI and CSK have played against each other this season, the Mumbai-franchise has managed to win in both of them. In the first match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai registered a cosy victory, winning the match by 37 runs. In the second match, the victory was even sweeter, where Mumbai outclassed Chennai and won the match by 46 runs.

In IPL 2019 Overall:

Mumbai Indians finished the IPL 12 league stage at the top spot of the IPL Points Table. In 14 matches this season, Mumbai won 9 and lost 5 matches, which fetched them 18 points.

On the other hand, CSK was on the top of the table for the majority of the league; however, a dip in form saw them slip on the second spot. Like Mumbai, Chennai too won 9 and lost 5 in their 14 matches this season. A higher Net Run Rate (NRR) for Mumbai meant they were the table-toppers.

Who will win MI vs CSK IPL 2019 Qualifier 1 match tonight?

The stats are oddly stacked in Mumbai Indians favour. In IPL 2019, Mumbai has defeated Chennai twice in two matches. In the last five matches between the two sides, Mumbai Indians lead 4-1 in their favour. Also, the teams have played on six occasions at Chepauk, in Chennai. Here too, Mumbai Indians hold an edge over their rivals with the tally of 4-2 in their favour.

In their overall rivalry, where Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have clashed against each other for 26 times, Mumbai has had better performance with the tally reading 15-11, again in their favour.

Nonetheless, one simply cannot discount CSK out of the contention yet. In the 7 Playoffs, games that the teams have played in Chennai have won 4; whereas, Mumbai has secured victories in only 3 matches.

That’s where the odds even out by a bit as Mumbai Indians have often crumbled in the big-ticket matches, whereas, Chennai Super Kings haven’t faltered much in these crucial games.

Our prediction: Mumbai Indians – Chennai Super Kings (60% - 40%)

It will be an interesting night for the fans to see the two biggest franchises of IPL clashing to seal their spot in IPL 2019 final. Mumbai Indians are on a rampant form, and Chennai isn’t a squib when it comes to their home games. Who’ll step ahead in the IPL 12 Final first? Stay tuned to LatestLY for all the latest news and updates about MI vs CSK, IPL 2019 Qualifier 1.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 07, 2019 11:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).