Cricket: Indian Premier League

[kevshat]

Originally Posted by Sir Fernando

Chennai looking out of sorts now, its no surprise to see the sides that have a minimal amount of players leaving for international duty, do well so far.

Another nice selection, Kev.

Cheers mate. There's still plenty left in that Deccan lineup, just a question of will it come out. +27.40 for the tournament after that match. I'm going to leave tomorrow's match alone. Rajasthan are looking quality but everything Warnie's touched has turned to gold. Pollock seems to be pulling Mumbai around and having won their last 2 I'm not rushing to take Rajasthan at 4/6 even though I'd fancy them to win.

[Sir Fernando]

Mumbai Indians Vs Rajasthan Royals

Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals are on an incredible run, largely unfancied they have won their last 5 matches, Mumbai after a shakey start have won their last two matches under Shaun Pollock and are looking a much better side still missing Icon player Tendulkar, out injured and happy slap Harbhajan suspended.

If Mumbai's batting holds together, they are more than capable of winning, Bravo has looked in good form recently,Sanath Jayasuriya and Robin Uthappa, although getting started need to go on and score big runs.

Will be hoping the big hitters of Rajasthan, Watson, Y.Pathan and Jadeja have an off day, also a key battle could be Graeme Smith against Shaun Pollock.Warney's midas touch to fail in Mumbai? at the prices its worth backing the home side imo.

IPL form (last five matches)
Mumbai Indians LLLWW
Rajasthan Royals WWWWW


Mumbai Indians WIN @ 11/10

[kevshat]

Originally Posted by Sir Fernando

Mumbai Indians Vs Rajasthan Royals

Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals are on an incredible run, largely unfancied they have won their last 5 matches, Mumbai after a shakey start have won their last two matches under Shaun Pollock and are looking a much better side still missing Icon player Tendulkar, out injured and happy slap Harbhajan suspended.

If Mumbai's batting holds together, they are more than capable of winning, Bravo has looked in good form recently,Sanath Jayasuriya and Robin Uthappa, although getting started need to go on and score big runs.

Will be hoping the big hitters of Rajasthan, Watson, Y.Pathan and Jadeja have an off day, also a key battle could be Graeme Smith against Shaun Pollock.Warney's midas touch to fail in Mumbai? at the prices its worth backing the home side imo.

IPL form (last five matches)
Mumbai Indians LLLWW
Rajasthan Royals WWWWW


Mumbai Indians WIN @ 11/10

Nice shout mate .

[kevshat]

Having decided to no bet on Wednesday I'm going to come out firing on Thursday with a bet in both matches.

10pts Delhi to beat Chennai 8/13 Boylesports

Despite losing their last match Delhi are still right in the mix in this competition. Although Chennai are on the same points as Delhi momentum is all with Sehwag's men going into this match. Delhi beat Chennai by 9 wickets in the reverse fixture and I've seen nothing to suggest a massive turnaround will take place here.

Delhi will go with the same team I'd expect. McGrath and Asif are superb opening the bowling while Yo Mahesh has been more than an adequate backup. Sehwag and Gambhir will open the batting with Shoaib Malik and AB de Villiers backing them up along with Indian internationals Manoj Tiwary and Dinesh Karthik. Farveez Maharoof looks like missing out against as Delhi have a settled side.

Chennai have problems. There's no doubt about that. They are missing Hussey and Hayden massively. Ntini has taken over their new ball bowling and he hasn't taken a wicket in the tournament yet. Dhoni has been ok with the bat without any fireworks we'd expect from him while Stephen Fleming just hasn't been at the races and neither really has Parthiv Patel which means Chennai lose too many wickets early doors. Even Murali has looked off the boil. It could be that Chennai go into this match with only 3 internationals such have they been let down by the overseas players.

Delhi are probably the best all round side in the competition while Chennai are in freefall. Kepler Wessels showed at Northants that once a rot sets in it stays for a while and it appears he's following suit with Chennai. Delhi at home in a day match where the toss shouldn't be much of a factor. I have to back them to win here.

10pts Bangalore to beat Kolkata 6/5 Boylesports

Bangalore were embarassed by Kolkata on the opening night of the IPL but both sides lineup differently to how they did that night. Kolkata, like Chennai are in freefall. They've lost their last 4 after starting the tournament so well. Bangalore are crawling along but there's been signs recently that they could be getting to grips with the competition.

Kolkata's dip in form has come since they lost Ricky Ponting, Chris Gayle (who although not playing a match would be good in the dressing room) and their top scorer Brendon McCullum. Despite missing the last three matches he's still the top scorer which says a lot. Mohammad Hafeez has had enough chances and not taken them so Salman Butt could come in for this match. Kolkata will be hoping that Australian duo David Hussey and Brad Hodge can get going. Ishant Sharma and Umar Gul should be a good new ball pairing.

Bangalore will be without Wasim Jaffer who has a hand injury. Many, like me, would believe that's a good thing but to be fair Jaffer has begun to contribute before this injury. By his own admission, Rahul Dravid is getting to grips with this format now as his innings of 66 in the last match testifies. Misbah and Cameron White pack explosives in their batting and they'll want to come to the party while Dale Steyn is causing destruction alongside Zaheer Khan wherever they go. Anil Kumble is yet to take a wicket for Bangalore but that's certain to change soon.

Despite Kolkata's comprehensive victory on the opening night I think Bangalore have the better side generally and they are starting to play some decent stuff at times now. I think on the whole they are more consistent and I think they can go to the Gardens and come away with the win.

[Sir Fernando]

cheers mate, im definately going on Delhi against Chennai, Sehwags boys are on the upward curve, Dhoni's are going in the opposite direction.

8/13 looks ok price in this match.

[harke]

nice pick Mr F on mumbai......agree with u guys on delhi as well...not so sure about banglore winning it against calcutta

[Sir Fernando]

Delhi bottled it in the last over, after snagging Dhoni just before aswell.

Sehwag should not have let Malik bowl the last over.

[Wanderer89]

Originally Posted by Sir Fernando

Delhi bottled it in the last over, after snagging Dhoni just before aswell.

Sehwag should not have let Malik bowl the last over.

I see there was a no ball last over aswell how they let it slip!

[Sir Fernando]

the second game look like its gonna be reduced overs, lot of rain.

hope it doesn't come down to one of those 5 over games.

[Sir Fernando]

dont know how Bangalore lost last game?

chasing 130 to win off a reduced 16 overs, a target that should be achieved, Bangalore messed it up, two openers played like it was a test match, Dravid is not a 20/20 player, White tried to have a go and Boucher left it way too late. losing by 5 runs with six wickets remaining is not acceptable really.

they were only on about 50 in the 9th over. Shocking.

[kevshat]

That was one of the most unluckiest days I've ever had I think. Should've had 2 winners but ended up with naff all. Still I'll try one for tomorrow. -20 for Thursday and now +7.40 for the tournament.

10pts Rajasthan Royals to beat Deccan Chargers 6/5 Totesport

Rajasthan Royals suffered their 1st defeat in 6 matches when they lost to Mumbai Indians last time out and they'll be keen to get back to winning ways here. Deccan got another win under their belts when they beat Chennai earlier in the week. Rajasthan Royals won the reverse fixture between these two earlier in the season when Warne hit Andrew Symonds final over all around Hyderabad to win.

Rajasthan are expected to go into this match with the same side which were shot out for 103 against Mumbai. That will include the ever impressive Sohail Tanvir who is almost impossible to get away. Graeme Smith will open with Asnodkar with Yusuf Pathan and Watson to follow. With the ball, Warne will be key as he's bowled well on this Jaipur wicket.

Deccan Chargers may well be captained again by Adam Gilchrist as VVS's hand injury hasn't healed. They will have their international players as batsmen. Gilchrist, Herschelle Gibbs, Scott Styris and Shahid Afridi and they'll be backed up by Rohit Sharma. RP Singh will lead the bowling attack alongside Sanjay Bangar.

Having followed him at Hampshire I know Warne never likes losing and he's sure to have his team well up for this match. They are back on home soil here where they are unbeaten and against a Deccan side which can flatter to deceive I'll take Warne's side to win this one.

[Sir Fernando]

very nice shout,

was gonna leave but after reading write-up couldn't resisit,

had a small speculative punt on Rajasthan @ 2.9 in play, then literally Gilchrist got out 3 balls later and it shot down to 1.8.right i must stop 'after timing'


Warne bowled with great control, Deccan just lost wickets at regular intervals,couldn't believe the shot Afridi tried to play, what a joker.

[kevshat]

I probably won't get a more comfortable winner than that one. +12 for the day and +19.40 for the tournament now. I'm betting tomorrow too.

10pts Kings XI to beat Chennai 8/11 Skybet

Since losing to Chennai in a high scoring 2nd match of the IPL, Kings XI Punjab have won 5 of their 6 matches, their last 5 in fact. Chennai had gone right off the boil before a dramatic last ball victory over Delhi on Thursday. India's captain and vice captain in the limited overs game go against each other here.

Chennai may well go with the same side which beat Delhi. Chamara Kapugedera suddenly appeared for that match but he wasn't that influential on Thursday. Pushing Dhoni up the order along with Morkel was a good idea but the top of the order is still questionable as let's be fair they stole that game really. Their bowling just doesn't match up well at all really, Murali or no Murali.

Kumar Sangakkara still isn't fit for the Kings XI so Shaun Marsh will continue to open the innings. Mahela Jayawardene will face his lethal weapon on the international scene when he faces up to Murali. Irfan Pathan is the leading wicket taker in the tournament and Piyush Chawla and VRV Singh have suddenly clicked into gear and are backing him up well. Yuvraj Singh is a class act and could destroy and side at any minute.

I thought the loss of Lee would seriously hit Kings XI but it's gone the other way. Their 4 prong Indian attack with Sreesanth included is as good as anything in the tournament and Yuvraj and Mahela will always score runs. Bowling is Chennai's weakness and it's that which I think will give the Mohali based side the win here.

[Sir Fernando]

not betting this one, want Kings Punjab to win though.

[kevshat]

Originally Posted by Sir Fernando

not betting this one, want Kings Punjab to win though.

I wish I didn't now . I'm really starting to hate the Kings XI team though. Can't work them out at all . Back to +9.40 for the tournament now. 1 for me on Sunday.

10pts Deccan Chargers to beat Kolkata 5/6 Ladbrokes

These two played the opening match at Eden Gardens in this tournament when all the talk was about the pitch which was poor. Now it's both sides form and batting which are poor. Deccan were rolled over last time out against Rajasthan while Kolkata stuttered to victory over a strange Bangalore side.

Deccan amazingly still haven't won at home. A lot to do with that is their batting which hasn't contributed the runs it can do. Gilchrist and Sharma have done their job but Gibbs, Styris and Afridi haven't. VVS looks like missing out again though so Deccan will want those 3 to do some scoring. The bowling hasn't been great either so Chaminda Vaas may well get recalled in place of Scott Styris for this one in the hope he and RP Singh can get the Chargers off to a flyer in the field.

Kolkata have completely lost their way with the bat. Sourav Ganguly hasn't done much and neither has Hafeez. David Hussey can score good runs but fellow Aussie Brad Hodge has left the side to join the Aussies in the West Indies so Salman Butt may come into the side. Ishant Sharma is the business with the ball while Dinda has bowled well too. Sourav Ganguly bowled 3 overs for 7 against Bangalore but that's unlikely to happen here. Shoaib Akthar is in Kolkata's squad but could still miss out.

Kolkata may have won on Thursday but they wouldn't have done if Bangalore weren't so bad. Deccan have looked better under Gilchrist's captaincy and a defeat to Rajasthan isn't that bad given they are top. The Knight Riders look to have lost the art of scoring runs and that won't help against the Deccan lineup. I've more confidence in their batting delivering than Kolkata's so I'll go with the Chargers here.

[Sir Fernando]

Rajasthan Vs Delhi


Two modern day legends in Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath lock horns in this match, both have had very good tournaments with the ball so far.Rajasthan are on a role at the moment, they know how to win, usually by putting the oppostion in and then chasing down totals, after their variety filled bowling attack often pins teams down(especially Warne's 4 overs). Rajasthan have won 4/4 so far at home and look value here against a Delhi side who imo are lacking something in the middle order, Malik and De Villiers haven't fired. Delhi chances of winning rely on their opener's both with bat and ball, Sehwag and Gambhir have scored consistently well, McGrath and Asif have bowled with great dicipline.

Rajasthan WIN @ 5/6

[Sir Fernando]

SHANE WATSON = LEGEND




class innings.

smashed 74 off 40.

[kevshat]

Good pick mate. Hopefully Watson shows this form for Hampshire later in the season! -10 for me today after Deccan's bowlers were pisspoor. -0.60 for the tournament now.

Don't really like betting on Kings XI at such a price tomorrow but Bangalore just can't bat.

10pts Kings XI to beat Bangalore 8/13 Boylesports

Kings XI Punjab had won 5 on the spin before a defeat by Chennai last time out while Bangalore come into this match having only won 2 matches in the entire competition. Kings XI are unbeaten at home while Bangalore have only won at Mumbai on their travels.

Kings XI will be hoping that Shaun Marsh continues his good form in this match although Sarwan is due a good innings. Mahela Jayawardene will also be key with the bat as will his skipper Yuvraj Singh who could tee off at any minute. Kumar Sangakkara misses out again. Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth are bowling well at the minute and VRV Singh and Piyush Chawla are backing them up superbly.

Bangalore have a very good bowling attack. Dale Steyn partners IPL leading wicket taker Zaheer Khan with the new ball with Praveen Kumar and Anil Kumble backing them up. Jacques Kallis is unlikely to get his spot back though so the 5th bowler will be Vinay Kumar. For all their power with the ball they just can't bat. Dravid looked like he was getting to grips with the format then played a shocker against Kolkata and his team mates were no better. You'd think Misbah would replace Chanderpaul but you can never tell with this lot.

Everything points towards a home win here. Even if Bangalore restrict the Kings XI, which in itself will be a tricky task, they just can't make any sort of a total so I expect the Kings XI to pick up another win here.

[Sir Fernando]

Originally Posted by kevshat

Good pick mate. Hopefully Watson shows this form for Hampshire later in the season! -10 for me today after Deccan's bowlers were pisspoor. -0.60 for the tournament now.

Don't really like betting on Kings XI at such a price tomorrow but Bangalore just can't bat.

10pts Kings XI to beat Bangalore 8/13 Boylesports

Kings XI Punjab had won 5 on the spin before a defeat by Chennai last time out while Bangalore come into this match having only won 2 matches in the entire competition. Kings XI are unbeaten at home while Bangalore have only won at Mumbai on their travels.

Kings XI will be hoping that Shaun Marsh continues his good form in this match although Sarwan is due a good innings. Mahela Jayawardene will also be key with the bat as will his skipper Yuvraj Singh who could tee off at any minute. Kumar Sangakkara misses out again. Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth are bowling well at the minute and VRV Singh and Piyush Chawla are backing them up superbly.

Bangalore have a very good bowling attack. Dale Steyn partners IPL leading wicket taker Zaheer Khan with the new ball with Praveen Kumar and Anil Kumble backing them up. Jacques Kallis is unlikely to get his spot back though so the 5th bowler will be Vinay Kumar. For all their power with the ball they just can't bat. Dravid looked like he was getting to grips with the format then played a shocker against Kolkata and his team mates were no better. You'd think Misbah would replace Chanderpaul but you can never tell with this lot.

Everything points towards a home win here. Even if Bangalore restrict the Kings XI, which in itself will be a tricky task, they just can't make any sort of a total so I expect the Kings XI to pick up another win here.

agree 100% here mate,

i prefer being on the chasing team, so hopefully Kings will put Bangalore in.

[Sir Fernando]

nice again Kev,


Bangalore won the toss and chose to bat first.

Kings Punjab have got some decent Aussie's in there, Marsh quality yet again.