THE EDGE: The Edge previews the IPL clash between Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Qualifier 2: Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The IPL Playoffs continue on BETDAQ Betting Exchange as Punjab Kings meet Mumbai Indians on Sunday! We’ve had a dramatic week in the playoffs with a massive range of scores – Mumbai Indians piled on 228/5 to win by 20 runs against Gujarat Titans, while Punjab Kings collapsed for 101 to wave RCB through to the final. The ironic thing was both games were at the same venue and we had over 100 runs in the difference from the first inning scores. That being said, RCB chased it down in ten overs so a par score was definitely over 200.
Both sides obviously come into the game in different places. Mumbai Indians have had some huge momentum since losing four of their opening five games. They must come into this game full of confidence – the Eliminator couldn’t have gone better either. Runs for Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow at the top of the innings and then Jasprit Bumrah bowling so well. An economy of 6.75 off four overs is gold dust in T20 cricket these days given the scoring has increased so much. It was always a big question what kind of form Bairstow would turn up in after being a late replacement, and that knock would suggest he’ll be a big factor in the Playoffs.
Punjab’s batting failed on the big stage this week, which is a shame for them given it’s been their strong point at this tournament. My major worry was their bowling coming into this week! With Bumrah in superb form for Mumbai, they now face a massive test to gain their confidence and with their bowling, they will need a good score if they bat first again!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We move to the world’s largest cricket stadium, Ahmedabad, for the final two games. This game should give us a good idea what to expect from the Final on Tuesday, but we’ve had plenty of action here this season. The first inning scores have been; 243/5 (won), 196/8 (won), 217/6 (won), 203/8 (chased), 224/6 (won), 235/2 (won) and 230/5 (won). The lowest score was 196, so you’ll need to go big if you bat first here! I know chasing is the done thing in T20 cricket these days, but with such superb batting conditions you’d be tempted to bat first.
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see Mumbai come into the game as the favourites given how this week has gone. To be honest, it couldn’t have gone worse for Punjab! They now have two major worries coming into this game – their bowling and their batters bouncing back. In fairness, they have the best batting conditions here so there’s no excuses but I do feel that their bowling will let them down here and that will be the difference. The Mumbai batting is in form, Bairstow at the top in good form is massive and Bumrah with the ball can win the game. They are a confident bet at 1.68.
The Edge Says:
Three points win Mumbai Indians to beat Punjab Kings at 1.68 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/PjbMmb
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
You definitely have to focus on looking for trades on either batting side here rather than supporting a bowling side. I know the Punjab batting slopped this week and we have an in-form Bumrah, but we have superb batting conditions here – you only have to look at the first inning scores to see that! I feel the game will be won by the Mumbai batting against the weak Punjab bowling though, and that’s where we’ll see most market movement. Bumrah will likely go well with the ball, but every bowler is up against it here.
