Exciting clash in the offing

Mumbai: The focus will be on Shoaib Akhtar and Sanath Jayasuriya when Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians face each other in an exciting clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 match at the Wankhede Stadium here today.

Going by the last performances, Shoaib shone for the Knight Riders while Jayasuriya single-handedly won Mumbai Indians a match against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday night.

Both Mumbai Indians and Kolkatta Knight Riders will be hoping that the big guns continue to fire as the fight for the semifinal stage hots up.

For Mumbai Indians, the return of Sachin Tendulkar's presence will also boost their chance despite the captain failing on his debut outing.

The opening pair of Jayasuriya and Tendulkar need to be at their best if they hope to see off the challenge posed by Shoaib, who is backed by talented Ishant Sharma and Ashok Dinda.

Mumbai Indians are still languishing in sixth spot with eight points, while Knight Riders are two points ahead in the fourth spot and a victory today is crucial that will help both the teams to strengthen their claims for a berth in the knockout stage.

The toss also would be crucial as the side that wins would, in all probability, put the rival team to bat on what's expected to be another track offering copious bounce as was the case on Wednesday night when there was a lot of pace and lift for the speedsters.

Both the teams are currently riding high, with Knight Riders having won their last three matches while the hosts, with their four-match winning streak, would be looking to put their strengths to optimum use.

Mumbai Indians are unlikely to make any changes in their winning combination and it should be same with the Knight Riders as well.