James Richardson shares his betting tips and preview for matches 48-51 of what is turning out to be a fascinating edition of the IPL.
The IPL is fast reaching the business end of the competition, but no winner can be crowned just yet. There are plenty of battles that need to be fought in the coming weeks.
Tuesday 30 April
Super Giants 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Indians 72/100 (16:00)
LSG are one of four teams on 10 points heading into this match with struggling Mumbai Indians.
Marcus Stoinis has been a key player for the franchise with his ability to contribute with bat and ball and his knack for taking big wickets.
MI as a whole haven’t matched the energy and output of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
MI aren’t out of the play-off battle but cannot truly afford to lose this match.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians 72/100
The Indians have proven in past seasons that they can be at their most dangerous when their backs are against the wall. Back them to come away with a crucial win here under pressure.
Wednesday 1 May
Super Kings 57/100 | Tie 25/1 | Kings 29/20 (16:00)
CSK are part of that group of teams on ten points on the IPL table and will want to push forward with a win.
Punjab Kings are adrift of that playoff-chasing group but could get back into the equation with a win in Chennai.
The Kings have secured their last two wins on the road and so might be happier to be away from their base this time out.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form could bode well for CSK in the run-in to the playoffs.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 57/100
The fact that the Super Kings are a shade under 6/10 to win this encounter tells you everything you need to know.
Thursday 2 May
Sunrisers 21/20 | Tie 25/1 | Royals 81/100 (16:00)
The Royals have found a way to rise above the pack this season but face a tough trip to Hyderabad.
No doubt the Orange Army will be out in force to create an intimidating atmosphere more than a royal welcome.
The Sunrisers have misfired in their past two outings and will want to arrest that slide in form.
The Royals have won four on the bounce and are a team with winning momentum right now.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad 21/20
This could be one of the matches of the tournament if both sides click into gear. If the Sunrisers can turn it with the bat, they can blow anyone away. Maybe one to avoid but I’m leaning toward the Orange Army here.
Friday 3 May
Indians | Tie 25/1 | Knight Riders (16:00) *betting tba
Friday’s big spectacle will see Mumbai Indians welcoming Kolkata Knight Riders to Wankhede Stadium.
MI need results now as they are chasing the pack but they are packed with experienced campaigners.
The wind has gone out of KKR’s sails but as many predicted would happen with a team reliant on mercurial talents.
MI haven’t made Wankhede a fortress this season but they could give their fans a big win over KKR to savour.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians
A bit tricky making a call here with this being written before Tuesday’s game. But you’d expect the Indians to scrape by here at the very least.
