2017 IPL Betting Tips: Second Qualifier
Rising Pune Supergiant became the first finalist of IPL 2017 by defeating Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier. The stage is now set to find out who joins them on Sunday for the grand finale. Mumbai Indians will exercise their second chance when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Bangalore on Friday, May 19th.
Season so far
Mumbai were one of the most consistent teams in this season and topped the league standings too. However, in the first qualifier they lost by 20-runs to a confident Rising Pune Supergiant. Thanks to their top-placed finish in the league, they now get a second chance to qualify for the finals.
Kolkata Knight Riders for a long time were just a whisker away from Mumbai Indians in the league. A poor finish to the season that saw them lose four out of five matches meant that they finished fourth. However, in the eliminator at the same venue on Wednesday, they overcame the scare of rain to put it past defending Champions Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Players to watch out
Mumbai has one of the most settled units in the entire tournament and the last match capitulation was just a minor aberration. Lendl Simmons has more than compensated for the departure of Jos Buttler while Parthiv Patel keeps piling runs under the radar. More than the players, it is important for Rohit Sharma’s team to put behind the disappointment of the loss to Pune.
For Knight Riders, it is once again the top order that would be under focus. Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir are so vital for their fortunes that it is imperative they come in the top-three. Robin Uthappa’s blip in form is a worry but his experience of coming good in important matches should be handy. Sunil Narine hopes to thrive on a pitch that suits his style.
Line-ups
Mumbai may have to recall Harbhajan Singh to give them an edge on a slow track. Kolkata will hope to get Pandey fit again to start.
Kolkata undoubtedly is Mumbai’s favorite opposition – they have a record 15-5 against them. Mumbai Indians come to the game on the back of a five-match unbeaten run against the Knight Riders.
Picks
Will rain subside? It could be interesting because a shortened game makes it much more difficult to predict. At odds of $1.91 (William Hill) both teams are favoured equally by the market.
Runs at the top make a difference for both the sides especially with run making difficult after the initial period. Back Chris Lynn to be the top scorer for Kolkata at odds of $3.50 (bet365). For Mumbai, it has to be Parthiv at odds of $5 (bet365).
TIP: Chris Lynn most runs (Kolkata) – $3.50 at bet365
When it comes to scoring in the power play, no one can beat the Knight Riders this season. Back Kolkata at odds of $1.80 (bet365) to score more in the first six overs.
TIP: Knight Riders most runs first 6 overs – $1.80 at bet365
TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
