Super Kings vs. Kings XI Punjab

Despite holding an almost insurmountable statistical advantage over the Rajasthan Royals, the Super Kings (1.70) can ill afford to lose against the Kings XI Punjab (2.15) in the second of today’s fixtures at Kingsmead. Dhoni’s side will be looking to secure their spot in the semis and, in doing so, end Punjab’s tournament. Chennai has to do a lot wrong here tonight to spoil their Indian Premier League party, while Punjab will no doubt be ruthless in their quest for IPL survival.

IPL odds supplied courtesy of Canbet.com. New members receive a £25 Cricket Free Bet.

IPL match preview:

Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2009 so far: Played – 13, Won – 7, Lost – 5, N/R – 1

The Super Kings already have one foot in the top four and are playing to cement their place at number two. However, a loss here would see them qualify at number four, just ahead of the Rajasthan Royals due to a better net run rate. Dhoni has come down hard on his bowlers for their poor showing against Kolkata when they failed to defend 189. Their fielding has also been a cause of concern and

Best Bet for Chennai Super Kings:

Matthew Hayden – 10/10
MS Dhoni – 9/10
Suresh Raina – 9/10
Albie Morkal – 8/10
Muttiah Muralitharan – 8/10

Kings XI Punjab

IPL 2009 so far: Played – 13, Won – 7, Lost – 6

It’s do or die here for Kings XI Punjab, they must win to advance to the IPL semi-finals. In their favour, Yuvraj Singh is having a good run with the ball, as is Irfan Pathan. Fiery speedster Brett Lee is also potential threat up front for the Super Kings batsmen. Sangakkara has struck form at the right time with the willow, however Punjab will hoping that Jayawardene recovers in time to bolster the order. They are in a roll at the moment after beating Delhi and Deccan, and have the potential to be a highly competitive side.

Best Bet for Kings XI Punjab:

Yuvraj Singh – 9/10
Kumar Sangakkara – 9/10
Brett Lee – 8/10
Irfan Pathan – 8/10
Simon Katich – 7/10

Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals

The kamikaze Knight Riders (2.10) would like nothing more than to end the Rajasthan Royal’s (1.73) hopes of making the IPL final four with victory when the two sides clash in Durban tonight. The problem for Kolkata is, and has always been, their bowling in IPL 2009 and their attack looks very vulnerable against a determined Royals outfit. I’m tipping an epic hard fought encounter.

IPL odds supplied courtesy of Canbet.com. New members receive a £25 Cricket Free Bet.

IPL match preview:

Kolkata Knight Riders

IPL 2009 so far: Played – 13, Won – 10, Lost – 2, N/R – 1

An inspired run chase by the Knight Riders in their previous fixture against Chennai yet again highlighted the resilience of the Kolkata franchise. They would love to finish the group stage of the tournament with a win, and thereby dash Rajasthan’s hopes of making it into the IPL semi-finals. Brad Hodge and Brendon McCullum are in tremendous form.

Best Bet for Kolkata Knight Riders:

Brad Hodge – 9/10
Brendon McCullum- 9/10
David Hussey – 8/10
Ajit Agarkar – 7/10
Ishant Sharma -7/10

Rajasthan Royals

IPL 2009 so far: Played – 13, Won – 6, Lost – 6, N/R – 1

In contrast to their miraculous triumph in IPL 2008, the Rajasthan Royals have been totally off color throughout this tournament and now their chances of making the IPL semi-finals are slim – they need to defeat the Knight Riders by a huge margin and then hope Chennai loses badly to Kings XI Punjab. The result of the Deccan Chargers and Bangalore Royal Challengers clash will also affect their probability of advancing. Hard luck for Royals.

Best Bet for Rajasthan Royals:

Shane Warne – 9/10
Graeme Smith – 8/10
Yusuf Pathan – 8/10
Ravindra Jadeja – 8/10
Naman Ojha – 7/10

Royal Challengers vs. Super Kings

With the battle to secure a place in the IPL final four raging on, Kingsmead in Durban plays host to another superb duo of Indian Premier League fixtures. First up today, the Bangalore Royal Challengers (2.50) face the Chennai Super Kings (1.53) in a pivotal encounter. The Challengers must win to stay in the hunt for a semi-finals spot, while victory for the Super Kings will earn them a well deserved top four berth.

IPL odds supplied courtesy of Canbet.com. New members receive a £25 Cricket Free Bet.

IPL match preview:

Bangalore Royal Challengers

IPL 2009 so far: Played – 11, Won – 5, Lost -6

A brilliant and breathtaking batting display from Ross Taylor saved the day for the Royal Challengers against the Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous fixture, and it will be crucial that they continue in their winning ways if they are to have any hope of qualifying for the Indian Premier League semi-finals.

Best Bet for Bangalore Royal Challengers:

Jacques Kallis – 9/10
Ross Taylor -8/10
Mark Boucher – 8/10
Anil Kumble – 7/10
Rahul Dravid – 8/10

Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2009 so far: Played – 10, Won – 6, Lost – 3, N/R – 1

The Chennai Super Kings have been ultra-impressive scoring five wins on the bounce, and they are poised to make it six. Matthew Hayden is in divine form and is well supported by a solid middle-order, however, their bowling and fielding is still an area of concern with huge scope for improvement. A win will more or less book them a semi-final spot, while defeat will put them in a spot of bother.

Best Bet for Chennai Super Kings:

MS Dhoni – 9/10
Matthew Hayden- 9/10
Albie Morkal – 8/10
Suresh Raina- 8/10
S Badrinath- 7/10