Indian Premier League Tips Matches 45 and 46: Punjab to get back on track

Click here for Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders odds
Sunday 3 May, 10.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Tips

Sunrisers Hyderabad are now eyeing a top-two finish with six games to go of the league season. After losing three of their last four they have put together five consecutive wins to pile the pressure on Royal Challengers Bangalore, who appear to be wilting slightly. RCB have lost two of their last four to open the door.

A win here against KKR would put Sunrisers behind Punjab having played a game more. They will expect to beat a KKR side which are third-bottom with only two wins. However, those have come back-to-back and there are signs they are picking up. Therefore the 4/71.57 is too short about Sunrisers. That is crack-team territory and we're happy to wait on SRH for further evidence they are that.

There's nowt wrong with the speculative KKR gamble here at 11/82.38 on Sportsbook or 2.486/4 if you're an Exchange user.

Both teams have been bolstered by late-season overseas arrivals. Pat Cummins has given Sunrisers more control in the field. Cameron Green has turned up for KKR. The Cameron Green they had at the start of the term has been one replaced by a rejuvenated and confident version.

The Hyderabad pitch is always one to look out for. Sunrisers posted 242 against Delhi. It would be easy to immediately assume road. But there have been mixed scores in the context of a tournament which has been a runfest. Totals of 156, 216 and 194 don't scream reliability. As stated previously there is one track there which is reserved for bowlers. Could Sunrisers deploy it here?

Sportsbook offer under 203.5 first-innings runs at 5/61.84. And that is tempting. The KKR batting remains unreliable despite their upturn in form. There should be a confirmation of the pitch to be used at some stage on Saturday afternoon.

Click here for Gujarat Titans v Punjab Kings odds
Sunday 3 May, 15.00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Gujarat Titans v Punjab Kings IPL Tips

Gujarat are making a late charge for the play-offs, winning their last two. With five games left three wins could well be enough particularly with Rajasthan Royals now seemingly confirmed as an inconsistent outfit. They would go level on points with Royals (but behind on net run rate) with a win here.

Punjab lost their first match of the season against Royals when they were beaten at their own power-packed counter-hitting game. They are unlikely to be perturbed. It would take a spectacular collapse from them not to finish in the top two. Three wins from their last six should be enough.

Not surprisingly, they are favourites to win in Ahmedabad. The 1.758/11 on the Exchange can be considered value. As discussed above, short, short prices are reserved for the really solid outfits in franchise. Sunrisers are not that but Punjab are. They have shown after last season's run to the final and the consistency this campaign they are a team to be trusted. Arguably they should be shorter but the market recognises the threat posed by Gujarat's top and tail approach.

Up front with bat and ball they are dangerous. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill are machines. Jason Holder and Rashid Khan are top performers with the ball. It's the in-between where Punjab will look to do damage. Gujarat are not picking the right team and are imbalanced with no extra overseas batter.

The Gujarat surface should suit their all-action style. The best way to play beyond the match odds is a price on Punjab to win the match and hit the most sixes. We'd be more than happy to take the 10/111.91.

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