Couch Critic previews the betting for the Indian Premier League matches taking place on Saturday 6th April including the Super Kings v Kings XI and the Sunrisers v Mumbai Indians
CSK vs KINGS XI (Saturday, 06 April – 12:30)
Setting the Scene: The high-flying Super Kings went belly-up in their last outing as Rambo Bravo bled some serious runs at the death and the batsmen flopped badly. The Kings XI have surprised many with being tied at the top after four games.
Let’s Talk Tactics: Punjab’s key to success has been that they have had vital contributions from a variety of their players rather than just one or two constant performers (this does make things a touch tougher on the betting front). Gayle has often gotten them off to a good start, Rahul has shown glimpses of returning to form and Agarwal has looked in good touch. Miller has also pitched in. With the ball they also haven’t had one star but somehow they have combined to keep the scores down – Curran of course the big star last time around.
CSK have been led by Tahir with the ball but with the willow there has also been a number of contributors. One would however expect Faf du Plessis to come in to bolster the batting unit. The lefty threat of Gayle and Miller should also lead to the possible recall of the Harbhajan.
Verdict: Chennai have had great success with their spinners on home turf and after their last outing they are likely to come out and prove themselves as the real Kings of the IPL (but their outright price is a touch short for me). Ashwin is back in his home town and I expect him to really be up for this one. If Gayle does manage to get going then Punjab should rack up a good number of sixes – and Miller, Rahul and Agarwal and contribute as well.
Bets:
Team to hit most sixes – Kings XI @ 2.30
Top Kings XI Bowler – R Ashwin @ 5.00
Man of the Match – Tahir @ 20.00
SUNRISERS vs MUMBAI (Saturday, 06 April – 16:30)
Setting the Scene: The last time the Sunrisers took to the field in Hyderabad it was the Warner and Bairstow show as the openers helped themselves to a century a piece. In their last outing they didn’t need all that much from their batsmen as 130-odd chase was never going to be a problem. Mumbai for their part are still struggling for momentum but will hope that a win over CSK is the catalyst for a strong run up the table.
Let’s Talk Tactics: The Sunrisers’ bowlers have been in fine form in the past few games. The inclusion of Mohammad Nabi has worked wonders alongside the ever impressive Rashid Kahn. The form of Buvi Kumar will still be of concern. Batting wise there is still little to report pas the astonishing Warner-Bairstow combo.
Things just haven’t quite clicked for Mumbai and for some reason or another the batting unit just hasn’t been able to consistently churn out big scores. In Behrendorff they have a great additional seamer to compliment Bumrah.
The Hyderabad wicket is clearly one that’s good for batting.
Verdict: Mohammad Nabi has been great opening the bowling and offers some good striking ability lower down the order, so he could be a runner for Man of the Match. Hardik Pandya is a confidence player and there could be worse ways to go than backing him to add a few more sixes here. Suryakumar Yadav comes in behind Sharma and De Kock but you looked great the other day and since I struggle trusting the openers at present I think he has a good shot as top run scorer for Mumbai.
Bets:
Man of the Match – M Nabi @ 20.00
Player to hit most Sixes – HH Pandya @ 12.50
Top Mumbai Indians Batsman – SA Yadav @ 5.50
Top Mumbai Bowler – Behrendorff @ 4.80
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
