Olimp3kSignUp jan19Couch Critic previews the betting for the Indian Premier League matches taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May including Mumbai Indians v Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders.

 

 

 

 

MUMBAI INDIANS vs SUNRISERS HYDERABAD (Thursday, 02 May – 16:30)

Setting the Scene: Sitting third on the table Mumbai will be keen on picking up the home win and sewing up a top 4 knock-out spot. The Indians come into this one off the back of a 34-run loss to KKR. The Sunrisers will be even more desperate for victory as they sit fourth on 12 points. In their last outing they were able to chalk up a score of over 200 but crucially they will be without Warner from this point on. In the reverse fixture Mumbai won by bundling Hyderabad out for 96.

Let’s Talk Tactics: Mumbai have a nicely balanced team – quality quicks, some spin options and lower order hitters that can mix it with the very best. Perhaps the only issue for Mumbai has been a lack of consistent contributions at the top of the order.

In contrast to their opponents the Sunrisers largely have their openers to thank for the success they have enjoyed thus far. Bowling wise they have also struggled to find support for Rashid Kahn.

Wankhede has proven to be a decent batting track – Mumbai chasing down 172 in 19 overs and 187 not proving enough on the occasion before that.

Verdict: The big factor for SRH is Bairstow and Warner being missing. In their absence Williamson will HAVE to come to the party. I will back the leg-spin of Chahar to make things difficult for the visitors. Rashid has been treated with respect by opponents but in the current team set-up I think he will get the chance to add a few runs as well so the performance points market is where I’m going.

Bets:

Top SRHBatsman – K Williamson @ 4.00

Top Mumbai Bowler – R Chahar @ 4.50

 

 

KINGS XI vs KKR (Friday, 04 May – 16:30)

Setting the Scene: Sitting sixth and seventh one of these teams will be knocked out of the comp come Friday evening. After looking good for a playoff spot the Kings have lost three straight matches. The Knight Riders finally got back to winning ways in their previous match and they did so in style as they chalked up a humungous 232 against Mumbai. KKR tasted success in the reverse fixture between these sides.

Let’s Talk Tactics: KKR have been woefully out of form mainly due to their bowlers not able to deliver as expected. There is nothing wrong with their power hitting ability though.

Punjab have scrapped well but their lack of star power is starting to catch up to them. Gayle and Rahul have taken turns to giving the Kings strong starts and one of them will need to go big to match the batting ability of the Knight Riders. Bowling wise the hosts could have the edge with the likes of the Ashwin’s and Shami.

A 180 and 170 was achieved in the last two games at Mohali. The dimensions of the ground seem to lend itself to a good number of maximums.

Verdict: The Ashwins’ have performed well but Shami has been in good wicket taking form of late. KKR have had little trouble clearing the rope and they should be able to continue this trend even if Dre Russ isn’t at this best. Narine has improved his bowling form recently so I will back him in this market.

Bets:

Top Kings XI Bowler – M Shami @ 4.33

Top KKR Bowler – S Narine @ 4.00

Total number KKR Sixes – Over 7.5 @ 1.85

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!