csk2019After six weeks we have finally gotten to the playoffs of IPL 2019. We now proceed to the qualifier where the first placed Mumbai travel to Chennai to face the Super Kings, who finished in second place. The winner earns the privilege of progressing straight to the final whilst the loser will go on to face the winner of Wednesday’s eliminator.

 

 

 

 

(Looking back at our pre-tournament thoughts, you will have some clout in the fight if you had followed our 5.75 tip of the backing Mumbai to win the comp).

 

CSK vs MUMBAI INDIANS (Tuesday 07 May, Chennai)

 

Setting the Scene: CSK hosted Rohit and his merry men in Chennai on 26 April. On that occasion the visitors kept their heads well to settle for a 150-odd score and then taking a page out of the Super Kings’ book by watching their spinners strangle the opponents into submission. In the last game held at this venue the trio of Tahir, Harbhajan and Jadeja picked up eight sculps between them.

Both teams finished with 9 wins and 5 losses at the completion of regular action. From their last five games Dhoni’s men have lost 3 and won two whilst the results were just switched around for their opponents with the Indians having won 3 (one of those being won in a Super Over).

 

Let’s Talk Tactics: One can’t talk about the Chidambaram stadium without imagining all the slow bowlers licking their chops at the prospect of having a trundle. Two weeks ago CSK hosted SRH and Tahir deliver 4 overs for 38 without a single wicket whilst the great Rashid Kahn went for an unprecedented 44 runs as well. Thus one should perhaps be careful to just write this one off as a battle between the slow bowlers. It is however a fact that two of the three sub 100 totals have been achieved at this venue and four of the five lowest totals. The highest score achieved by a team batting first in Chennai is 176/4.

 

Verdict: The visitors have the death specialists, Malinga and Bumrah. The hosts have the potent spin trio. This should be a game about the bowlers on a track that has been tough for batsmen to get the better of. Raina stands out as the home batsman with the best hitting power and he is also the best player of spin, but Faf is the player in form in their line-up. Mumbai have had contributions from all of their top three and have the explosive hitting of Hardik (and Pollard) behind them.KrunalPandya is bowling nicely and the pitch should suit him.

 

Bets with BETOLIMP:

Total runs scored in the match – under 334.5 @ 1.83

A 50 to be scored in the match – No @ 5.00

Top Mumbai Bowler – KH Pandya @ 6.80

Player to score most sixes – S Raina @ 10.30

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!