When defending champions Mumbai Indians take on points table toppers Kings IX Punjab in the 48th match of the Pepsi Indian Premier League at Mohali on Wednesday, they will be desperate for a win to keep their play-off hopes alive.  

While the in-form Punjab is already into the knockout phase with 18 points from 11 games, Mumbai is placed in the seventh position (just ahead of Delhi Daredevils) in the points table with only eight points from an equal number of matches.

Although Mumbai has done well in their last two games, the team's defeat in five consecutive games in the tournament's UAE leg has hindered its prospects of defending the title. Moreover, Punjab has a distinct advantage in this game as they will be playing on the home ground.

In their last match, Punjab mauled Delhi Daredevils, thanks to the all-round performance of Akshar Patel, securing their place in the play-offs. Although Punjab's star players Glen Maxwell, David Miller and skipper George Bailey failed to deliver in the last match, Patel's contributions helped the team to sail through. Even Beuran Hendricks, who substituted Mitchell Johnson, claimed three wickets, while Sandeep Sharma also impressed with a three-wicket haul again.

Although things seem to be beyond their control now, Mumbai make get some inspiration from the team's exceptional performance against Rajasthan Royals in the last match. While the opening pair put up a 120-run partnership, skipper Rohit Sharma too seemed to be back in form with his quick-fire 40.

Although the batting line-up has finally sorted the issues, the team's bowling department is in a shambles. While veteran pacer Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the tournament owing to an injury, now their best strike bowler Lasith Malinga will also miss the remaining games. Krishmar Santokie, who replaces Malinga, has been very expensive, giving away plenty of runs. 

Therefore, Mumbai faces an uphill task on Wednesday to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The match will start at 10.00 a.m. ET and can be watched live on GoCricket.com and SkyCricket.net.