IPL Betting Day Seven

Close but only the merest hint of cigar wafting tantalisingly under our noses. 14 sixes or more was available at 3.15 on Betfair, but after Delhi blasted 8 Chennai could only manage 5 leaving us an agonising 1 short. And Rajasthan’s collapse gave Dimi the chance to do us a favour in the top scorers market but he could only manage 27 to finish behind Yusuf Pathan, who was the pick in Rajasthan’s last game. Oh well.

Some good cricket played today, with Chennai against Delhi a really hard-hitting, close encounter. The continued absence of McGrath is a huge worry for Delhi, but in notching up a second win without him, they are putting themselves in a strong position. And the likes of Nannes, Sangwan and Nehra probably bowled better today than they had in more helpful conditions against Punjab.

Chennai meanwhile continue to be less than the sum of their parts. Lumbering and lethargic again at crucial moments, the form of Flintoff is a concern, particularly his bowling, which today was down on speed and wayward in length. Is he fully fit? Is he a tad overweight? Who knows. Chennai are not far away from being contenders, but they need to find a little extra spark in the field and intelligence with bat and ball.

Bangalore against Punjab tomorrow is a battle of the losers, which Bangalore should win, thanks to the acute weakness of the Punjab bowling. They are a solid bet at Evens. For top bat, I’ll give Ravi Bopara a chance. He has played the anchor role in both games so far, but looks like he is itching to play a more expansive game and is worth backing.


Wagers

Bangalore to beat Punjab @ Evens (Totesport)
Ravi Bopara to top score for Punjab @ 4-1 (Various)


Running Total: - 6.05 pts