Preview: Mumbai take on Bangalore in battle for brownie points

Mumbai are already assured of qualifying for the semi-finals as the top-ranked team, while only a statistical freak will prevent Bangalore from joining them, thus rendering this match a little meaningless. But if we had to have a meaningless match, it couldn't have been better than Mumbai versus Bangalore.

Bangalore are the only side Mumbai have not beaten yet in this year's IPL, and the Anil Kumble-led side will want to ensure that things stay that way. For one thing, a victory here will guarantee their semi-final place, and for another it will also ensure that they finish the league phase as the second ranked team. Bearing in mind too, that these two teams could very well meet in the finals, two victories in two matches will be a strong mental boost for Bangalore.