The MLC – Major League Cricket 2024 group stages are done and dusted, and it’s time to switch our attention to the playoffs. The Eliminator will feature MI New York against the Texas Super Kings at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas.
The Super Kings made it to the knockout stages of the MLC on the back of three wins in seven matches and finishing third in the league table. On the flip side, the New York side won a virtual quarter-final against the Los Angeles Knight Riders, earning an NRR boost and making it to the Eliminator with five points from seven matches.
While the knockouts of MLC are a different stage altogether, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this contest. So, it’s time to roll into the match prediction, pitch report, head-to-head, and top players for the upcoming clash.
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Report
The Pacers playing in the MLC have been swinging the ball pretty frequently. Furthermore, worn-out surfaces have resulted in more wickets for spinners. Recent victories have gone to both first- and second-innings teams. However, batting is challenging because it requires smart adjustments to the bounce and movements.
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 12
Matches won batting first: 6
Matches won bowling first: 6
Average 1st innings total: 164
Average 2nd innings total: 141
Highest total recorded: 206/5 by LAKR vs SO
Lowest total recorded: 106 by NEP vs NED
MINY vs TSK Head-to-Head
MINY and TSK have crossed swords against one another thrice in MLC history with the former winning just one game. The Yellow Army won a couple of matches but failed to defeat them in Qualifier 2 last year.
MINY vs TSK Conditions-based Predictions
- There’s good assist for the new ball bowlers.
- Batters need to be smart with stroke selection.
- Wickets are favouring the spinners now.
MINY vs TSK Top Players Predictions
Trent Boult (MINY): The Kiwi pacer can strike early with the new ball. He has a history of wreaking havoc in the Super Kings department and would look to do so in a heavy-weight clash. The left-arm quick has scalped nine wickets in six matches with a bowling average of 21.22 in the ongoing MLC. Boult can also be witty with the ball at the later innings.
Faf du Plessis (TSK): The Proteas star is one of only two batters to register a century in MLC 2024. Having racked up 303 runs from six innings, Faf has been fabulous with the bat in MLC 2024. The skipper of the team is also the leading run-getter of the tourney with an average reflecting 50.50. He has also been striking the cricket ball at 172.
Rashid Khan (MINY): The wrist spinner has been outstanding since the recent World Cup matches in the West Indies and the United States of America. Not only notching up half-centuries and quickfire lower down the order, Rashid has been a magician with the ball in hand. The all-rounder has bagged ten wickets from six matches and is the third-highest wicket-taker in the bowling charts. He is conceding just 13 runs to pick a wicket in this edition of the MLC.
MINY vs TSK Hit or Miss Prediction
Devon Conway (TSK): On the back of rehabilitation, Devon Conway has had a tournament to remember for the Texas side. The southpaw smashed 180 runs in six innings at an average of 36. Conway has been striking the ball at 146.34. Although his form has dipped in the last few games, he can be a dangerous player on his day.
MINY vs TSK Local Players to watch out for
- Ehsan Adil (MINY)
- Calvin Savage (TSK)
- Monank Patel (MINY)
MINY vs TSK Match Predictions
The MI side do not have a formidable opening combination. Hence, they might see an early wicket before 18.5 runs (1.85). Also, the number of wickets in the match might be more than 13.5 (1.87). The Super Kings will likely score below 122.5 in 15 overs (1.76).
MINY vs TSK Winner Predictions
The New York side have been lucky to come through the league stages and reach the playoffs. However, they’re a different breed in knockout games. While the Super Kings have had their nerves in the tournament, it won’t be surprising to see them falter against MI.
