Indian Premier League - IPL / Ed Hawkins / 31 March 2010 /

The 30th match of IPL3 pits Sourav Ganguly's wits against Adam Gilchrist at Eden gardens as Kolkata welcome Deccan. Both sides are hardly lighting up the tournament so Ed Hawkins wonders why there is such a gulf in terms of odds

Team news
With New Zealand and Australia having finished their two-Test series, Kolkata might have Brendon McCullum available. If he does make the XI after an arduous journey, he will be paired with Chris Gayle at the top of the order. David Hussey may make way. Shane Bond could return at the expense of Charl Langeveldt. Needles to say, Kolkata won't bother to find room for Ajantha Mendis, the spinner with the x-factor.

Deccan will also benefit from the end of the Trans-Tasman Trophy. Ryan Harris, the Aussie quick, should come into the squad although a berth straightaway would be premature. Deccan have shuffled their bowling recently, pairing West Indian Kemar Roach with Jaskaran Singh, meaning there has been no place for Chaminda Vaas.

Venue and conditions
Eden Gardens hasn't been the easiest of batting surfaces in IPL3 in the two games played so far. Chennai posted 164 but lost only three wickets, suggesting it is a pitch that is difficult to get going on (Matthew Hayden managed one run from eight balls). Previously, Bangalore were restricted to just 135. There have been four 50s scored in the two games and the highest individual score was 66. The highest individual score market is set at 68.5 runs.

Match odds
With both sides languishing in the lower reaches of the table, this would appear to be a battle of mediocrity. Kolkata have failed to build on their winning start and have only three wins to their name from seven matches while Deccan have won the same amount, albeit from a game less.

So it is slightly surprising to see Deccan such short favourites for this one. They go off at [1.73] with Sourav Ganguly's men priced at [2.26]. It is even more confusing when you consider that in the first game of this tournament, Kolkata beat Deccan by 11 runs.
Considering the teams should be priced closer together, Kolkata have to be the bet although it is not one to go mad over in terms of stakes. Make no mistake, Kolkata have the ability to be as irritating as Danny Morrison's high-pitched commentary.

Last time out they were well-beaten by Delhi thanks to David Warner's century but it was their batting that really disappointed in that game. A target of 178 was hardly insurmountable and with players of the ability of Gayle, David Hussey and Ganguly in their line-up they should have done better.

They strike punters as a side who falter under the pressure of chasing down a total. The same could be said of Deccan, though. Faced with another gettable total of 173 v Mumbai, the defending champions imploded to a pathetic 131. They are yet to win batting second and are staring a third consecutive defeat in the face.

Top batsman
In seven matches, Kolkata have had five different top runscorers (one shared). Gayle has copped twice and will share jolly status with McCullum. Brad Hodge, who has top scored twice, will not get a game. The value alternative could be David Hussey if he holds onto his place. Clever and reliable - everything Kolkata are not - he has a semblance of form behind him.

Deccan's top-bat market is easier to fathom. Adam Gilchrist, the favourite, is a bad one, having top scored once. Rohit Sharma and Andrew Symonds are men to trust with three and two top-bat efforts respectively. Angelo Matthews and Gilchrist did the business for Kolkata and Deccan in the previous meeting.

Featured market
With Gilchrist and VVS Laxman opening the batting, Deccan enjoyed opening partnerships of 61, 55, 43 and two. So why drop Laxman and give Monish Mishra a go? The new pairing has managed totals of three and nought. If Deccan recover their senses, Laxman will be restored and the even money about 40 runs or more being scored for the first wicket may be a decent wager. If not, you can lay 10 runs or more at [1.60].

Trivia
Eden Gardens is India's biggest cricket stadium, and one of the most famous cricket venues in the world. Established in 1864, the Gardens currently holds 90,000 people following renovations, which have reduced the capacity from its previous one of 120,000. It is the 22nd largest sports stadium in the world.

Best bet: Ed Hawkins says back Kolkata at [2.26]

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