Watch Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians — IPL 2026 Free.

What's at Stake

The stakes are incredibly high for Mumbai Indians as they travel to Mullanpur, needing a decisive victory to keep their playoff aspirations alive in the 2026 season. For the Punjab Kings, playing in front of their home crowd, this match represents a crucial opportunity to act as spoilers while solidifying their own mid-table standing in a tightly contested race for the top four.

Head-to-Head

Historically, encounters between these two franchises have been remarkably balanced, often resulting in high-scoring thrillers that go down to the final over. In their most recent meetings, both sides have traded victories, with Mumbai relying on their power-hitting middle order while Punjab has frequently found success through their disciplined death bowling and aggressive Powerplay starts.

Key Players to Watch

• Suryakumar Yadav — His ability to manipulate the field in the later overs remains the primary threat to Punjab's bowling plans.
• Arshdeep Singh — The left-arm seamer's proficiency with the new ball and his yorkers at the death will be vital on the Mullanpur surface.
• Hardik Pandya — As a dual threat with both bat and ball, his tactical leadership will be tested under the pressure of a must-win scenario.

Prediction

Mumbai Indians are expected to edge out a narrow victory in this encounter, driven by the sheer desperation of their postseason survival. While the Punjab Kings will benefit from home conditions, Mumbai's experienced core should provide the composure necessary to chase down a target in a high-pressure finish.