IPL Betting: Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Indian Premier League - IPL / Frank Gregan / 16 April 2010 /

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"Rajasthan will need big performances from their key men, Michael Lumb, Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan if they are to get the win that they so desperately need. Both Lumb and Pathan have been expensive to follow so it's time to follow the old maxim - 'cometh the hour, cometh the Aussie!' Shane Watson at [4.5] is likely to give us a run for our money."

A negative net run rate is like an albatross hanging over these two sides' necks but to have any sort of chance of reaching the semis, they both need a win here. Rajasthan look the most likely team to do that, says Frank Gregan.

Venue and Conditions

Saturday's day/nighter takes place at Eden Gardens as the Kolkata Knight Riders play host to Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals. The pitch holds no fear for Kolkata who enjoy batting first here and have done so on three occasions this season, averaging 187. They lost one of those matches when the Kings XI Punjab chased down 200 to win, proving that there are plenty of runs to be scored on this track.

Team News

Both of these teams can achieve a maximum of 14 points which may just be enough to sneak a semi final berth on net run rate. Kolkata have lost their last two matches which included an absolute pasting by Chennai on Tuesday. They may be tempted to drop David Hussey who made a duck when recalled to the side with Owais Shah or Brad Hodge his likely replacement.

The Royals have also suffered back-to-back defeats but they were at the hands of the top two sides in the league, Mumbai and Bangalore. Their bowling attack looked a little light during Tuesday's defeat against Bangalore and they may be tempted to recall Morne Morkel or Shaun Tait.
Match Odds

The market can't split these two with a match on both sides likely to be attainable at [2].

Top Runscorer

Kolkata's opener Chris Gayle has not been at the top of his game during this tournament but he is capable of destroying any bowling attack on his day. He is due a big knock and should be available at [4.5] to be the home side's top batsman.

Rajasthan will need big performances from their key men, Michael Lumb, Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan if they are to get the win that they so desperately need. Both Lumb and Pathan have been expensive to follow so it's time to follow the old maxim - 'cometh the hour, cometh the Aussie!' Shane Watson at [4.5] is likely to give us a run for our money.

Featured Market

There is a Saturday 11.30 accumulator market and odds of [4.2] should be available on a Rajasthan/Bangalore double.

Trivia

Kolkata get big crowds that can be somewhat volatile but there should be enough police to deal with any troublemakers - the city has 54 police stations!

Best Bet

Frank Gregan says: Back Rajasthan Royals at [2.0] or bigger.

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