Himachal Pradesh vs Mumbai – Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Match Preview (2026-01-06 03:30 GMT)

As the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2026 season heats up, fans are in for a thrilling encounter when Himachal Pradesh (HIM) faces off against Mumbai (MUM) on January 6, 2026, at 03:30 GMT. This match promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with Mumbai's experience and firepower up against Himachal Pradesh's disciplined and consistent approach.

Team Analysis

Himachal Pradesh (HIM)

Himachal Pradesh enters this match with a well-balanced squad, capable of competing against the best. Their batting lineup has shown promise, with key contributors like Ankit Kalsi and Akash Vasisht leading the charge. The team's consistency is underscored by the form of Vaibhav Arora, who not only contributes with the bat but also plays a crucial role as a death-over bowler, making him a dual threat.

Pukhraj Mann has been a consistent run-scorer for the side, while Innesh Mahajan brings stability to the wicketkeeping department. The team's all-round balance gives them the potential to compete with the more experienced sides.

Mumbai (MUM)

Mumbai, a perennial powerhouse in domestic cricket, is expected to be the stronger side on paper. With seasoned campaigners like Shardul Thakur in their ranks, the team has a proven ability to perform under pressure. Musheer Khan and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are the key performers who have consistently delivered in high-stakes matches.

The Mumbai bowling attack is particularly potent, especially in the death overs, where Tushar Deshpande has been a reliable option. The team's blend of experience, firepower, and tactical acumen makes them a formidable opponent.

Match Prediction

While Himachal Pradesh has the potential to cause an upset, especially if they can exploit the conditions and execute their game plan flawlessly, Mumbai is the stronger side on current form and depth. Their balanced squad and the presence of match-winners across departments give them a clear edge in this encounter.

The match could be a tight affair, but it's likely that Mumbai will emerge victorious if they start well and maintain momentum.

Fantasy Tips

Small League Must Picks

• Himachal Pradesh:

  • Vaibhav Arora (644 points) – Dual threat with bat and ball, especially in the death overs.
  • Pukhraj Mann (427 points) – Consistent run-scorer and key performer.

• Mumbai:

  • Musheer Khan (663 points) – High-scoring and reliable in the middle order.
  • Shardul Thakur (633 points) – All-rounder with match-winning potential.

Grand League Risky Picks

• Himachal Pradesh:

  • Mridul Surroch, Vipin Sharma – Can deliver big if the conditions suit.

• Mumbai:

  • Akash Anand, Sylvester Dsouza – High-risk, high-reward options with potential for big scores.

Captaincy and Vice-Captaincy Suggestions

• Himachal Pradesh Captaincy Pick: Vaibhav Arora – His all-round impact makes him a safe and effective choice.
• Mumbai Captaincy Pick: Angkrish Raghuvanshi – Consistency and match-winning ability in crucial moments.
• Vice-Captaincy Pick: Shardul Thakur (MUM) – His experience and all-round contribution make him a smart vice-captaincy option.

Key Matchup to Watch

The battle between Vaibhav Arora and Tushar Deshpande in the middle and death overs could be the turning point. Arora's ability to score and bowl crucial overs will be tested against Mumbai's disciplined spin and pace attack.

Final Thoughts

This match is set to be a high-quality contest between two well-prepared teams. While Mumbai has the edge in terms of form and depth, Himachal Pradesh's consistency and balanced squad could make for an intriguing challenge. Fantasy players should lean on Mumbai's big-hitters but remain open to the potential of key Himachal performers.

As the match unfolds, fans can follow live scores and in-depth updates through platforms like Possible11 for real-time action and insights.

Toss Prediction: Mumbai to win the toss and choose to bat first.

Final Prediction: Mumbai to win by a narrow margin.
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