Betting tips / Paul Bugeja / 25 May 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Ed Hawkins previews the decider Indian Premier League match between Delhi and Chennai, with the winner going on to meet Kolkata in the IPL final.

Chennai Super Kings
Chennai have failed to convince throughout this tournament and they scraped into the final stages by virtue of a superior run rate. But you can't keep this side down and they made it through to this 'semi-final' thanks to hammering Mumbai in the eliminator.

It is not too surprising.

The champions have big-game players and they come to the fore when it counts. MS Dhoni's 51 from 20 balls was typical of his and his side's passion, while Dwayne Bravo took two for ten and hit 33 from 14 balls.

Delhi Daredevils

Delhi have been iconsistently inconsistent over the last few weeks and one cannot help but feel they are not as good as a first-place finish would suggest. Their last six games read win-loss-win-loss-win-loss.

They may tinker with their line-up. Clearly Ross Taylor is wasted going in at No 7 as he did in the defeat by Kolkata Knight Riders. Varun Aaron, the fast bowler, could lose his place after going for 12 an over in that game. Ajit Agarkar could replace him.

Venue and conditions

We are not expecting a run fest. The average first-innings score at the Chidambaram Stadium in the eight IPL matches this season is 147. Only twice has a team scored more than 160. With low-scoring contests in the two meetings between the sides, it may pay to lay a score of 160 or more first up. There is a slight toss bias to be aware of. Five sides have won chasing on this ground.

Match odds

When Chennai are in this mood it is difficult to go against them. They are confident of retaining their title and with four wins from their last five one can't argue. They have found form at the right time.

Delhi are the opposite. They seem to be lacking in confidence and some of their bowling changes against KKR exposed this lack of faith in their plans. The Taylor shuffle, too is another worry.

With little to choose between the two in the betting, Chennai's superior form and experience in these type of matches gives them an edge. Ignore Delhi at 2.12 and side with Chennai at 1.88.

Top Chennai batsman

Dhoni, following his blitz against Mumbai, will be strongly favoured. Murali Vijay and Bravo top scored in the two previous games, however.

Top Delhi batsman

Delhi rely heavily on Virender Sehwag and David Warner, the openers, and Mahela Jayawardene. But none of these have form against Chennai this IPL. Yogesh Nagar top scored earlier and Kevin Pietersen, now returned, was the other who took honours.

Recommended Betfair bet

Back Chennai@ Betfair odds of 1.88 to beat Delhi