Indian Premier League - IPL / Rowan Williams / 16 April 2012 /

Royal Challengers Bangalore boast plenty of attacking weapons but Pune might have enough to nick this - and that makes them a value bet, says Rowan Williams

Start Time: 15:30 BST
TV Channel: ITV4
Live Updates: https://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2012/content/series/520932.html

Venue and Conditions
This game is due to be played in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. It is expected to be settled and dry under the floodlights in the cooler evening temperatures.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Team News
After two recent losses in which they have conceded 403 runs, the Royal Challengers may be looking to strengthen their bowling attack. Sreesanth Aravind struggled in his 2012 IPL debut, conceding 48 off his three overs, so he might be the one having to make way as they attempt to plug the leaking 5th bowling position.

Pune Warriors Team News
Jesse Ryder finally came to the party last time out in the Warriors seven wicket demolition of the Chennai Super Kings with a match winning 73 off 56 balls. They have a very balanced side now, with an array of international standard bowling options and a strong looking middle order. In particular Marlon Samuels and Steve Smith are often contributing with both bat and ball.

Match Odds
The Challengers' stellar top order and the Warriors' inconsistent history have allowed Pune to drift out to [2.42]. I am tempted by Pune at nearly any price, so at well over evens they represent serious value.

Bangalore Top Batsman
Bangalore have used four different opening combinations this season, none of which have included South African AB de Villiers. Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli are very talented individuals, with one beginning and one coming to the end of their respective careers. AB on the other hand is in his prime and is the star player in this team, and has experience in opening the batting in the shorter versions of the game. I believe that you want your best batsman to be exposed to as many deliveries as possible, so hopefully Bangalore's next variation of opening partners will feature de Villiers. If this is the case, or if he comes into the fray early enough, he should be able to show why he is currently ranked both the best test match and the second best one day batsman in the world.

Pune Top Batsman
Jesse Ryder should have gained confidence from his last outing and can build on that performance. It doesn't take him long to score his runs and he favours boundary hitting rather than accumulation. Ryder's guaranteed exposure to the first six overs and the fielding restrictions there-in give him the best opportunity to top score in a side that have the ability to contribute all the way down.

Recommended Bet
Pune bring winning form into this match and should be taken to follow up here at an attractive price - Back Pune @ [2.42]

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