Cricket tips / Richard O’Hagan / 16 May 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Pune have an outside chance of making the playoffs, but Richard O'Hagan thinks Deccan have the momentum and that can make the difference.

Deccan cannot reach the playoffs and are playing for pride only. Pune have an outside chance, but need favours from just about everyone above them in the table. As a result, this promises to be an enthralling contest.

Pune
The Warriors' position is simple. They have to win all three remaining games and hope that Kolkata win neither of their last two. Making the playoffs in their first season would be a major achievement for the Pune side and they will be confident after thrashing Deccan in their last game six days ago. Moreover, with Sourav Ganguly likely to make his debut, they will expect nothing short of an easy win.

Deccan
Finally, something went right for Deccan on Saturday. They might have left it too late, but at last they played as a team and defended a low total to send Mumbai tumbling down the table. That result was as shocking as it was convincing, but they will need some runs from their batsmen to continue a winning - and face-saving - run.

Match Odds
The significant thing in this game might be nothing to do with the players on the pitch at all. Deccan will be playing 48 hours after their last game, an unexpected win. Pune have had almost a week off. In a competition like the IPL it seems that the more regularly you play, the better your chances are.

In their last games, each team has found an unlikely bowling hero. Anand Rajan took three wickets as Deccan floored the Indians, whilst Mitchell Marsh restated his case for a regular spot with the Australian T20 side by picking up four wickets in Pune's win over the Chargers. But rhythm is important to bowlers and the best part of a week off could be critical for Marsh.

Despite the relative positions of the two teams in the table, and despite Pune's need for a win, I predict that the break will be crucial and that you should back Deccan for the win at odds of [2.36].

Top Scorer odds
Deccan's batting has been the source of their problems in this year's IPL. Not only have they been inconsistent, but they have struggled to find a settled lineup. England's World Cup winning opener Michael Lumb has finally found a way into the side. Although he failed on Saturday he will be keen to put on a good show and increase his value for future IPL seasons. Due to his lack of games this year he should be available at odds of around 4.9 to top score in this game.

Best Bet
Deccan Chargers to win at 2.36