THE EDGE: The Edge previews Wednesday’s IPL clash between Chennai Super Kings v Punjab Kings with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Chennai Super Kings v Punjab Kings
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The IPL continues on Betdaq Betting Exchange with the clash on the kings on Wednesday Chennai Super Kings hosting Punjab Kings. Unfortunately for Punjab, there’s only been one side playing like kings this season! Punjab have had a tough IPL so far – just three wins from nine games leaves them close to the bottom of the table. While Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also been very poor this IPL, you wouldn’t rule out Punjab Kings ending up in last position and no one wants to be there! It’s been a very high scoring IPL this season, and at times the Punjab batting hasn’t fired.
They did complete one of the most incredible moments this season as they chased down 261/6 against KKR in their last game! That was remarkable – even more so that they had dropped Jonny Bairstow for his poor form, and then he returns with a 108 not out. Classic Bairstow! It’s a basics soundbite that you heard thrown around a lot, but Punjab are the definition of a side who could easily end up with the lowest AND highest scores heading into nearly every IPL! They haven’t really changed since the days of Chris Gayle swinging for the roles – they are a very hit and miss franchise.
CSK are the opposite. They are very reliable; one of the most successful sides in IPL history. They won’t top the table this year, but they are right in the mix for a playoff spot. This is a must win game in that regard – Rajasthan Royals comfortably top the table and then we have KKR, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants all competing with CSK.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We’re over the halfway mark for games at Chennai now. We have four more to go because we have a Qualifier and the Final here. In the five fixtures we have had here, I would suggest scoring has been a lot easier than in the past. Usually this is a slow and low wicket, spin comes into things a lot. So far though we’ve had some big scores – that’s been a big theme this IPL though; scoring has been high pretty much everywhere. The first inning scores here have been; 173/6 (chased), 206/6 (won), 137/9 (chased), 210/4 (chased) and 212/3 (won). I have to say it’s a no brainer at the toss here; you have to bat first since we have a very heavy dew.
RECOMMENDED BET:
CSK are quite heavy favourites here at 1.67, but it’s hard to disagree with the market. Although I feel CSK should be clear favourites, it is hard to make the case that they should be massively shorter than 1.67 and thus is doesn’t jump off the page as great value. I fully accept Punjab have been short of the mark this IPL, but as we saw against KKR they have the talent if they can put it all together. I strongly feel that batting first at Chennai will provide an edge, so I’m going to recommend backing the side that bats first. If It was confirmed CSK bat first, then the 1.67 would be more than acceptable. If it’s Punjab, the 2.4 would offer value.
The Edge Says:
Two points win the Side Who Bats First at above odds on Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/ChePun
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
As I highlighted above, I feel batting first will be key here. I feel it will offer a big edge, and I would be very confident on CSK putting up a big score given the Punjab bowling has leaked runs this IPL. I would likely reduce stakes if Punjab batted first, but at the same time I can see them posting a decent score – I would just be more worried about their bowling defending it – CSK play their home conditions so well!
