THE EDGE: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Wednesday’s IPL clash between Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
MATCH OVERVIEW:
We have a midweek IPL double header on BETDAQ Betting Exchange this Wednesday! Lucknow Super Giants clash with Chennai Super Kings in the early game, but after such a low scoring affair at Lucknow on Monday I’m happy to focus on Punjab Kings against the Mumbai Indians later in the day. After a poor start to the tournament losing their first two games, Mumbai have crept back into the mix for the playoffs. They have an outside chance at best, but at least they aren’t nailed to the bottom of the table this season!
This is actually a very important game for both sides. They sit beside each other in the table – Punjab have two more points, but they have played an extra game. A win for either side would see them continue to be in the mix for the playoffs because it is very open at the moment, while the loser is a little off the pace. This IPL has been very competitive so far, there’s no one standout team – the only thing you’d say is that KKR, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals haven’t been up to the standard. Mumbai Indians are hanging on for dear life too.
I feel this is a must win game for Mumbai, without sounding dramatic, just to get them back into that mix for the top half of the table. You can see CSK and RCB dropping points along the way. They have had plenty of issues this season though, and their bowling will be put to the test again here in good batting conditions. Punjab have been very inconsistent, and Mumbai fans will be hoping to catch them on a bad day!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We had an exceptionally high scoring game here in the last fixture as Lucknow Super Giants racked up 257/5. That was some serious batting and power hitting! Punjab scored 201 but still lost by over 50 runs – cricket is changing as they say! In general batting has been good here – the other three first inning scores have been 191/5 (won), 153/8 (chased) and 174/4 (won). I think you have to bat first if you win the toss – it has seemed a little harder to chase – obviously don’t worry about chasing 257/5 but the other two games prior to that. Even the 153/8 which was under par went to the final balls.
RECOMMENDED BET:
I was surprised to see Mumbai trading as the 1.91 favourites when I clicked into the market here. I would have had Punjab as slight favourites for this game – I know there really isn’t much between the sides and we also have to consider Punjab have had some blowout losses, but I still see huge issues with the Mumbai bowling. That will be put to the test here too in good batting conditions, and the Punjab middle order can fire again. It was good to see Dhawan back after injury, he is a massive plus for Punjab. I’m keeping stakes small, but Punjab at 2.04 look the value.
The Edge Says:
One point win Punjab Kings to beat Mumbai Indians at 2.04 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/PunMum
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Although I feel Punjab should be the favourites here, this game could easily be decided by the toss. Whoever bats first will have a massive advantage in my opinion, and I would definitely look to get on the side who bats first. We have had some high scores batting first here in good batting conditions, and it hasn’t looked easy chasing either. That being said Punjab scored over 200 the other day in the second innings, it just wasn’t good enough to win. I wouldn’t say on either bowling side for long in these conditions, but the best edge in-running might be taking on the Mumbai bowlers who have gone around the park at times in the IPL this year.
