THE EDGE: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Friday’s IPL clash between Mumbai Indians v Gujarat Titans with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Mumbai Indians v Gujarat Titans
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The IPL 2023 has been a run-fest so far, and it shows no signs of slowing down on BETDAQ Betting Exchange! Mumbai Indians chased down 200 with plenty of overs to spare on Tuesday against RCB, and suddenly they are in the mix for the playoffs again! After that win they jumped into third spot, and you wouldn’t rule out them finishing in the top two place now either. It’s been quite the turnaround since they finished bottom of the table last season, and then after losing their opening two games the alarm bells were going off again.
I think I said this at the start of the season but CSK and Mumbai Indians have such a good history in the IPL, they were never going to be away for long. I have to say though, I’ve been surprised by how quickly they have bounced back after being so poor last season! Although they have good momentum with the bat, the bowling is still an issue for Mumbai and it will be interesting to see how they get on against the best team in the tournament now. Gujarat Titans have lost one of their key bowlers as Josh Little is currently playing for Ireland, but they have won eight of their eleven games and are sitting comfortably at the top of the table.
Gujarat topped the table in 2022 before going onto win the tournament in their very first season, which is quite the impressive feat. They have been just as strong this season, and you have to say they have an excellent balance to their side where everyone does their role well. When the sides met earlier in the tournament Gujarat scored over 200 with the bat and won by over 50 runs. Mumbai will need to be at their very best here.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We saw the latest high scoring game here on Tuesday, and to be honest it’s hard to see anything bar another high scoring game here. The only thing to keep an eye on at the Wankhede is something we move to a red soil wicket and get some spin – but that tends to be towards the latter stage of the IPL, in fairness we aren’t far away from the end so that is something to be aware of. This will be the sixth game here and the first inning scores have been 157/8 (chased), 185/6 (chased), 214/8 (won), 212/7 (chased) and 199/6 (chased). What score would you be comfortable with looking at that! Even the 214/8, the side chasing finished with over 200 runs. Probably have to aim for 210+ here!
RECOMMENDED BET:
We should have a cracking game here. Mumbai Indians come into the game in good form, but it’s hard to see past Gujarat here – they just do everything so well and they have the side well suited to good batting conditions too. Mumbai still have issues with their bowling in my opinion, and coming up against the best side in the tournament those issues will be exposed. Gujarat put up 227/7 at the weekend; with superb batting conditions here what can they do against a bowling attack you can take advantage of!
The Edge Says:
Two points win Gujarat Titans to beat Mumbai Indians at 1.9 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/MumGuj
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
With so many high scoring games here and good batting conditions expected, I wouldn’t stay on either side while bowling for long. Gujarat definitely have the stronger bowlers, but we’re probably looking at a par score here over 200. You’d definitely have to lean towards the side chasing given conditions, and how easily Mumbai chased 200 here earlier in the week – the best strategy might be supporting them from the innings break rather than backing their bowling in the first innings though. I also believe if Gujarat bat first they will post a very high score, but both batting sides will be the focus for in-running trades here.
