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Cape Town - Your three-day preview of the upcoming Indian Premier League matches.
Friday, April 13
Royal Challengers Bangalore 0.55 (Lost first game) v Kings XI Punjab: 1.35 (Won first game)
Betting: RCB v KXIP
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Despite the slow start from RCB, the team remains in high spirits for their second clash against Kings XI Punjab. AB de Villiers has come out and praised the balance of the squad and the buzz in the team that they didn’t have last year. RCB will have to bounce back against a strong Kings XI squad who could match their batting order blow for blow. The question is, can the RCB bowling attack restrict their opponents? It's impossible to make a call on the first performance of the season so let's hang in there and talk in the next summary.
Kings XI Punjab
KXIP pulled off an opening match victory over an impressive Delhi Daredevils. The DD posted a modest 166/7, which was chased down with ease as KL Rahul scored the fastest ever half-century in the IPL (50 of 14 balls). That performance was heavily influenced by the advice of KXIP’s director of cricket, Virender Sehwag, as they didn’t believe in scoring through singles. With a batting line-up of Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Yuvraj Singh, Marcus Stoinis and David Miller, why should they? This is a mouth-watering clash. Wherever you are, get your hard hats on because these guys can hit it miles!
Saturday, April 14
Mumbai Indians 0.60 (Lost both Matches) v Delhi Daredevils 1.25 (Lost both Matches)
Betting: MI v DD
Mumbai Indians
The defending champions have started the 2018 IPL campaign in poor fashion and need a positive result as soon as possible. In the last game, they were involved in a thrilling last ball finish with Sunrisers Hyderabad holding their nerve for the victory. MI batted first and posted a below par target of 148. Youngster, Mayank Markande returned career-best figures of 4-23 which brought them back into the contest but it wasn’t enough. Both teams have two losses to their first two games and will be out for blood as they look to turn around their 2018 IPL campaigns.
Delhi Daredevils
The DD’s last fixture was hampered by the weather as the rain came down in the 17th over. The Rajasthan Royals were on 153/5 when the innings was cut short which meant the Daredevils were given a target of 71 runs in six overs – the target revised using the DLS method. DD could only manage 60 in the allotted six overs despite the best efforts from Morris and Maxwell. You have to feel for the team as they were in a decent position before the downpour. They need to set things right in this one.
Kolkata Knight Riders 0.85 (Won one; Lost one) v Sunrisers Hyderabad 0.90 (Won both games)
Betting: KKR v SH
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR should feel hard done by following their last defeat against CSK. KKR set an impressive 202 run total and forced CSK into needing 102 from 51 balls but an unbelievable performance from Sam Billings took the game out of their hands. However, there were several positives to take out of the game. The main stand out was Andre Russell’s explosive innings as he took apart the CSK bowling attack. All in all, they will look to take advantage of their current form and home advantage against one of the tournaments strongest teams.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The commentary summed it up perfectly, “What a match! Billy Stanlake scored the winning run off the last ball. Hyderabad registered their second win in as many match to top the standings.” If you didn't watch the match live, go catch watch the highlights. One of the most exciting cricket games in IPL history. With two wins in two matches, they set to be one of the early tournament favourites and will be on the hunt for their third consecutive victory.
Sunday, April 15
Royal Challengers Bangalore 0.60 (Pending) v Rajasthan Royals 1.30 (Lost one, Won one)
Betting: RCB v RR
Royal Challengers Bangalore
We could have plenty to say on the RCB team depending on their result against the Kings XI Punjab. The questions about their bowling attack will be answered and whether they will be able to compete with the favourites of the tournament. A win in their second game will give them the world of confidence which may allow them to express themselves more freely.
Rajasthan Royals
RR clinched their first victory of the IPL season in a rain affected match against the DD. As we see it, they were lucky to get the victory as they were on a modest total of 153-5 in 17.5. They defended the revised target of 71 runs in six overs by restricting the DD to 60 runs. The victory was a much needed and they will look to use the momentum in their clash against RCB.
Kings XI Punjab 1.00 (Won one & Pending) v Chennai Super Kings 0.80 (Won both games)
Betting: KXIP v CSK
Kings XI Punjab
The KXIP have an opportunity to join the Sunrisers Hyderabad on top of the table with two wins. By doing so, they will be up there as favourites to win the tournament. Only time will tell!
Chennai Super Kings
For the second time in two matches, CSK were bailed out by one of their foreign superstars. On Tuesday night it was Sam Billings, who was playing his first IPL match for the franchise. He scored an 21-ball half-century, helping chase down 203 to win by 5 wickets, with one ball to spare. CSK have shown tremendous fight in their opening two games and proven to the IPL spectators that they are serious contenders. They will look to continue their impressive start against the KXIP on Sunday evening.
