Betting tips / Paul Bugeja / 01 May 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

With the Royals falling away in recent times, Ed Hawkins previews their IPL match against the high-flying Daredevils in Jaipur.

Rajasthan
The Royals, under the astute leadership of Rahul Dravid, made a rip-roaring start. But they have fallen away badly, losing three straight including an incredible match against Delhi when they were cruising at 141 for none in pursuit of 153 but lost by one run.

Delhi
Morne Morkel was the star of that show as he conceded just three, and took the wicket of Brad Hodge, as the Royals required 15 from the last two. It was Delhi's third straight win and kept them top of the table.

Venue and conditions
A cracking batting wicket awaits at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The average first-innings score in the last six IPL matches there is 173. There is an even split for sides batting first and second.

Match odds
There is a theory that Rajasthan are much tougher to beat on home turf but in fact the fortress is not as impregnable as one is lead to believe. They have won four from their last seven and it is not the kind of trend which should sway us.

The one-run loss to Delhi must have hit confidence and it is baffling as to how a batting side under so little pressure could have made such a mess of things. Still that game was tight enough for terrific trading and we could get more of the same. For that reason, Rajasthan are overpriced at 2.32 with Delhi 1.70.

Top Rajasthan batsman
Ajinkya Rahane is far and away the Royal's top man with 416 runs but his unbeaten 84 from the opening slot was not enough for victory over Delhi. He will be sub 4.00.

Top Delhi batsman
Virender Sehwag, wearing of the orange cap, top scored with 63 against the Royals in an opening partnership with Mahela Jayawardene. Both will be around 3.50.

Recommended Bet
Back-to-lay Rajasthan at 2.32