The IPL has flown out of the blocks with some thrilling cricket and the crowds have really played their part. Just two matches in for most sides, there are only two unbeaten teams left in the competition.
Friday 7 April 2023
Lucknow Super Giants 67/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad 5/4
Sunrisers Hyderabad have their shot at bouncing back from a disappointing loss in their first match.
While the Lucknow Super Giants have gone 50/50 across their two matches they have piled on the runs in those fixtures.
It will be interesting to see if Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers can be shoehorned into the same LSG XI given how scary that could be for opponents.
The Sunrisers are lacking in batting star power and will need to find a way to keep that scoreboard moving.
Verdict: Lucknow Super Giants 67/100
The Super Giants should outgun the plucky Sunrisers here in Lucknow.
Saturday 8 April
Rajasthan Royals 82/100 | Tie 25/1 | Delhi Capitals 21/20
The Royals were stunned by the unfancied Punjab Kings in their last outing and their IPL title credentials are already in question.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals have lost in both their outings so far as David Warner’s team misfire.
Their three top-order overseas professionals didn’t contribute enough runs to the Capitals’ cause and questions were raised over how low Rilee Rossouw was batting.
While the Royals have struggled, it is also strange that they haven’t sent Jos Buttler in to front the batting.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 82/100
Back The Royals to get their season back on track here against he misfiring Capitals.
Mumbai Indians 92/100 | Tie 25/1 | Chennai Super Kings 92/100
This IPL classic fixture writes another chapter this weekend with both sides in need of a win.
Mumbai Indians lost their opener to another of their big rivals in the Royal Challengers Bangalore but it was a tight contest in moments.
Chennai Super Kings lost their opening match but bounced back with a stirring win last time out.
Moeen Ali’s contributon to CSK has been underrated but this might be a season that he can sway time and again.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 92/100
This should be a tight contest as the betting suggests. My slight preference goes to the away side here.
Sunday 9 April
Gujarat Titans 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Kolkata Knight Riders 23/20
The unbeaten Gujarat Titans take on a Kolkata Knight Riders side buoyed by a bit of an upset win in their last outing.
That match was all about an incredible batting blitz from KKR quick Shardul Thakur set up a shock result against RCB.
The Titans have started their second season in the same fashion as the first and are already the early favoruites.
Sai Suharsan has been some find for the Titans and will now be watched closely after playing his part in keeping their winning run going.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans 72/100
The Titans are the more balanced side here and shouldn’t let the Knight Riders within a sniff if they fire.
Sunrisers Hyderabad | Tie 25/1 | Punjab Kings *betting tba
The Sunrisers Hyderabad are back at home to bring the weekend to a close as they hope to derail the Punjab Kings’ effort.
Shikhar Dhawan is the player to watch in this Punjab Kings lineup as the skipper and form batter.
The Sunrisers batting will again be under the microscope with their home ground being one of those where 200 + scores can be chased down with ease.
Few would have had the Punjab Kings as early pace-setters but Nathan Ellis and Dhawan have given them some sort of momentum.
Verdict: Punjab Kings
The Kings have been impressive so far this season and should have the measure of the Sunrisers.
