Click here for Sunrisers Hyderbad v Lucknow Supergiants odds
Sunday 5 April, 11.00
TV: Live on Sky Sports
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Lucknow Super Giants
Sunrisers Hyderabad are buzzing after getting their first win of the season at the second attempt. Beating Kolkata Knight Riders is not a huge feather in their cap but it was a much-needed confidence boost.
They are a relatively simple side to bet on. They play one way; which is to be ultra aggressive with the bat. They are not particularly reliable with the ball, even if they managed to keep KKR quiet in the chase. They do have the propensity to go round the park, particularly in a powerplay.
Lucknow are almost identical. They're another can bat, can't bowl outfit. Well, they should be. They were hugely disappointing in defeat by Delhi Capitals, unable to start showing the muscle with the willow for which they are famed.
It wasn't great to see them splitting the Aiden Markram-Micthel Marsh opening combination, thus moving Nic Pooran down the order. Rishabh Pant promoted himself to open.
The markets are, of course, wise to the chance of runs. Both teams to score 200 is no better than 10/111.91. Punters got their fingers burnt in a similar match-up with SRH v KKR on skinny odds. We suspect Lucknow are more reliable, however.
The key will be the Hyderabd surface. It is usually reliably a runfest but there is one strip that is different to the rest. It's slow and low. However, it would be a surprise if Sunrisers opted to use it so early in the piece and with their batters in need of reassurance. The 2/13.00 that both teams hit 210 may be the best option.
Back both teams to hit 210
Click here for Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings
Sunday 5 April, 15.00
TV: Live on Sky Sports
Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings IPL Tips
A week in to IPL 2026 and Chennai Super Kings are in trouble. They have lost their first two and have struggled to be competitive. Now they face the champions. It could be looking grim for them after 40 overs at the Chinnaswamy.
CSK lost to Punjab on Friday, failing to take the game to the last over when defending 209. They looked short of ideas or nous in the field and the home pitch, predictably, was not the sort of spin surface they have craved down the years. it followed a loss to Rajasthan which had mitigating circumstances. Chucked in on a sweaty surface after rain, they were rolled by seam and swing. There seemed to be no excuse for a lack of adaptability last time.
Bangalore motored to an opening-day success over Sunrisers. They were efficient and ruthless. There does now appear to be a divide opening up among teams which can react to situations, be balanced and competitive with bat and ball. Bangalore are definitely in that camp. Sunrisers aren't. Chennai are running out of time to prove they're not in it, too.
The 1.608/13 about RCB is expected. Any sort of rise to 1.804/5 in play should be snaffled, particularly bowling first. They are master chasers with Virat Kohli the king in that regard.
Looking for a derivative on the home win is the solid option. Taking Sportsbook's 10/111.91 that RCB win and both teams score 160 could well be it. That sort of total is par ten years ago and the batting game is moved on to such an extent that even a poor side like CSk can bungle their way there.
Back RCB to win & both teams to make 160