IPL / Edward Hammond-Kenny / 14 April 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

A must-win game for both sides is the second helping of IPL action on Thursday, says Edward Hammond-Kenny.

Chennai v Kolkata

Venue and Conditions

Both the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders are pushing hard to sneak into the final four and neither can afford to lose this match up at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This ground traditionally serves up run fests and just ten days ago Chennai smashed 246 here against Rajasthan, who hit 223 in a bold but ultimately futile chase.

Team News

Chennai suffered their first defeat in four games away to Deccan in their last game, but that was on a slow wicket. Muttiah Muralitharan and Albie Morkel will want to make a return but there may well only be space for one of them; Thilan Thushara is the most likely player to be dropped though Doug Bollinger has a slight possibility of being benched after a poor outing against Deccan.

Kolkata also come into the match on the back of a defeat to Bangalore. They will want to bolster the middle order after it crumpled in that game and David Hussey must be in line for a call up. Ajantha Mendis got walloped in his spell during that defeat and must be in line for the chop.

Match Odds

Chennai are favourites at [1.78] to win the game and will be looking for their batsman to bounce back from the Deccan shambles on a more favourable home pitch. Kolkata are currently available at [2.14] and the likes of Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum will be expected to hit big knocks against a Chennai attack that can, on occasion, be pretty toothless. Muralitharan and Kolkata's Murali Kartik have been two of the most economical spin bowlers in the tournament and if either can exert a stranglehold for their four overs, that could swing the match decisively for their team.

Top Batsman

With Michael Hussey returning to the line up Chennai have plenty of batting talent, Murali Vijay smashed 127 at the ground last week and Suresh Raina tops the team averages after a consistent tournament. Matthew Hayden will still head the market, though with only one 50 this IPL he can be cautiously opposed.

The Kolkata top three of Sourav Ganguly, Gayle and McCullum have been remarkably consistent in their last few games and the top bat must surely come from one of them. On a good wicket the power hitting of either Gayle or McCullum has to be the choice.

Featured Market

Ganguly and Gayle have put on 52, 94 and 56 for the first wicket in their last three outings, Chennai have not been quite as consistent, suggesting a bet on Kolkata in the Opening Partnership market may have merit.

Trivia

The Kolkata knight Riders are the only team never to make it to the IPL semi finals.

Best Bet

Ed Hammond-Kenny says: Back Kolkata on the Opening Partnership market at [1.9] or better.