IPL Betting: Deccan Chargers v Kings XI Punjab

Find Me A 100 Winner / Andrew Hughes / 16 May 2009 / Leave a Comment

Wil Deccan have the stamina for back to back games this weekends and, with Brett Lee breathing new life into their attack, can Punjab continue their good form? Andrew Hughes looks for the answers.

Team News

At the time of writing, Deccan are yet to play their Saturday game and with back to back fixtures, it is possible they may choose to rotate their squad a little, meaning a possible recall for Herschelle Gibbs. Punjab's team news hinges on the fitness of Mahela Jayawardene who could return to replace Luke Pomersbach. With Brett Lee and Sreesanth impressing on Friday, the unlucky Yusuf Abdulla could continue to sit out.

Conditions

The pitches used at the New Wanderers so far have looked dry, with a few cracks, but essentially good for batting on and 160 ought to be possible for both these teams.

Match Odds

Deccan have shown an unfortunate habit of losing close games and are in danger of throwing away their good start to the tournament. They ought to clinch a semi-final spot and may already have seven wins under their belt by the time this game starts. But though Andrew Symonds has given them a boost, the poor form of Gibbs and the hit and miss performances of Adam Gilchrist have made it harder work than it should be. Kings XI Punjab, meanwhile, look like a team on the up and Lee has breathed new life into their bowling. Deccan are likely to be favourites for this, perhaps as short as [1.75] but it is worth remembering that in their previous meeting, Punjab overhauled a total of 168 to win and as the form team are worth backing at [2.05] or higher.

Top Batsman

For Deccan, Symonds is a banker, his average of 60 plus at a strike rate of over 170 no more than expected for the best Twenty20 batsman in the world. He can safely be backed at [3.5]. For Punjab, Kumar Sangakkara can be guaranteed to sell his wicket dearly and is also a solid proposition at [3.5] or higher.

Featured Market

Symonds is in unstoppable form and has to be backed against Yuvraj Singh in the handicap match at anything more than [1.9]