IPL / Editor / 12 May 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

After a slow start, Brett Lee and co. have found momentum but will they have enough to dispatch Sachin Tendulkar's men?

Team news

There is no better example of why punters need to be devouring news updates from the IPL than Kings XI. Written off before the start of the tournament because they had no bowling and then a full-blown laughing stock after losing their first two matches, they are now on a semi-final charge.

The reason? That previously weak bowling now looks one of the strongest in the tournament. So strong is it that the fit-again Brett Lee and Sreesanth are keeping Yusuf Abdulla - their top wicket-taker with 14 - out of the side. Add in the excellent Irfan Pathan and it is a formidable line-up.

It would be wise if they found a spot for Abdulla but it is difficult to see how they can change a team which successfully chased 169 against Deccan last time.

Mumbai are a side who need to start their run for the last four. After impressing early on, they have been guilty of tinkering too often with their team. Note to management: Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya should open the batting.

Conditions

SuperSport Park in Centurion has been a tricky one to judge. Bangalore were bowled out for just 105 there but Chennai notched 185 against King's XI, the fourth highest score of the tournament. The average batting first is 148. There is an even 4/4 split for one-day internationals under lights.

Match odds

King's are possibly one of the toughest sides to predict. For example, they couldn't beat Bangalore after being set a relatively modest 146. But they could defend 119 against Mumbai. It leads one to believe that they perform best when the pressure is off. Indeed, no-one expected them to chase down more than eight an over to beat Deccan.

Favourite status may not sit too easily with them. They are only narrow jollies, mind you. At [1.82] it is difficult to say they are value in a contest which looks a pick affair. Mumbai are [1.99] and you have to ask yourself: should a side with Jayasuriya and Tendulkar really be as big? If you answer yes by looking at their form - one win in four - fair enough. But Lasith Malinga and Dwayne Bravo are the two best death bowlers in the world and they could swing a tight game.

Top batsman

JP Duminy has the required credentials to oblige here at odds of [4.50] upwards. Mumbai's Mr Consistent top scored against King's XI earlier in the competition with 59 from 63 balls. He also has ground form, taking honours with a 50 in Mumbai's only game at Centurion.

Featured market

Mumbai will be hot favourites on the highest opening partnership market. But bear in mind that in the previous meeting King's broke Jayasuriya and Tendulkar with only one on the board.