IPL Betting: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kolkata Knight Riders

Indian Premier League - IPL / Tobias Gourlay / 13 May 2011 /

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Chris Gayle casts a long shadow of doubt in the minds of Kolkata's opponents

"Kolkata know what to expect from Gayle - he scored a 55-ball 102* when they met at Eden Gardens"

Tobias Gourlay wonders whether Kolkata might be able to withstand the Gayle-force storm blowing through India

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Tillakaratne Dilshan has gone to play international cricket, but his opening partner, Chris Gayle, is the main man. Bangalore won one of their first five matches. Since Gayle arrived, they have won 6/6, equalling the longest winning streak in IPL's short history.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata know what to expect from Gayle - he scored a 55-ball 102* when they met at Eden Gardens - and the table says they are better than any of Bangalore's subsequent opponents. Their bowlers are canny and all of their top order are capable of game-changing contributions with the bat.

Match Odds

Bangalore are [1.76] to win this match and set a new record for consecutive IPL wins. They beat Kolkata in the first match of their run, but since then have only played teams who are now outside the top four.

The value is with Kolkata. There won't be much room for negotiation if Gayle hits his straps, but if he's out early or if Kolkata's own formidable top-order post a big total, there will be lots of opportunities to lay off Kolkata for a profit.

Top Bangalore Batsman

Six games, 398 runs, but only three top-scores for his team. Keep an eye of Chris Gayle's price. He'll lead the market, of course, but there might be an overreaction. Dare you oppose him?

Best Bet: Back-to-lay Kolkata Knight Riders @ [2.30] to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore

You can now follow Tobias on Twitter: @tobiasgourlay

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