IPL Betting: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders

General / Andrew Hughes / 24 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Flintoff's Chennai look worthy favourites against Kolkata, says Andrew Hughes, though that may not have much to do with the big man of English cricket.

Team News

Surely Chennai have to drop Parthiv Patel? Unconvincing with the bat, he has looked like a fish out of water in the field and helped to contribute to the impression of a slightly lumbering team. Kolkata are still reeling from their defeat against Rajasthan, but may well retain the same team, as, Super Over aside, Mendis looked more dangerous than Henriques.

Conditions

Like Kingsmead, the Newlands square has dried out since the weekend and looked almost like a subcontinental wicket on Wednesday, though with a touch more bounce. But batting second under the lights doesn't appear any easier.

Match Odds

This game has the feel of a middle of the table clash about it. Both teams have won only one of their first three. But Chennai have come up against two of the better teams in Mumbai and Delhi, whilst Kolkata conspired to lose to a spirited but ordinary Rajasthan team on Thursday evening and will take some time to recover from that crushing disappointment. Chennai will be favourites for this one and they can probably be backed at around the [1.75] mark. Alternatively, you could consider laying Chennai if they bat second. They appear better suited to setting big totals with freedom rather than chasing under pressure and both their defeats have been when batting second.

Top Bat

Matthew Hayden continues to flourish in this tournament, taking chances early on but cashing in and is sure to be popular. You might get slightly better odds though about Suresh Raina who was even more impressive against Delhi and should be available at [4.0] or better. For Kolkata, it's the Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum show. Toss a coin and take your pick. You could justifiably back them both if they are on offer at [3.0]

Featured Market

Kolkata have three big hitters in their order but Chennai can trump them with the likes of Hayden, Raina, MS Dhoni, Andrew Flintoff and Albie Morkel all able to smite a maximum. Back the Super Kings in the Most Sixes market at [2.5] or more.