Bangalore -145
deccan +135
deccan +135
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Bangalore all the way, Fish!
Deccan take on Bangalore in must-win game
Cricketnext.com
Bangalore: Hosts Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to cement their place in the last four stage as they take on a beleaguered Deccan Chargers, who are virtually out of the race after having slumped to five straight defeats. The hosts are tied at 10 points along with Chennai and Rajasthan, but have played a game less. On Thursday, the picture will begin to clear up for the last two slots especially with Mumbai and Delhi almost certain to take the top two places.
Bangalore, who have stuttered after a good start to the tournament, have been bolstered by the inclusion of New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor. He played a brilliant cameo albeit in a losing cause against Delhi Daredevils in the previous game and the team management will hope he begins to play to his potential starting with Thursday’s game. The Bangalore batting lineup has been the talk of the IPL with Jacques Kallis leading the way as the leading run-scorer and holding on to the Orange Cap. The good form of Manish Pandey, Kevin Pietersen, Virat Kohli and Robin Uthappa also give the team solidity in the middle.
The hosts missed Dale Steyn in the last game and the Proteas pacer is expected to return to the playing XI for the game against the Chargers. Steyn has been the spearhead for the team right through the edition and has found excellent support from Praveen Kumar and R Vinay Kumar. Local lad Appanna also came good in the last game. Skipper Kumble, meanwhile, continues to give it a tweak.
On the other hand, Deccan have been in wretched form with five consecutive defeats after a brilliant start to the tournament. They come in to this match after a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals, where they lost three wickets in three balls in the last over.
Deccan, in fact, were cruising at one point but a brilliant spell by Shane Warne and some ridiculous shot selection came back to haunt the Chargers. Their morale will be definitely low and Chargers have to come together with a fighting spirit to stay alive in the tournament. The likes of Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds have to come good and lead the way for the Chargers.
The only positive to emerge from the last match for the Chargers was the brilliant innings of Rohit Sharma, but he needs to be able to finish the games. Chargers’ biggest problem, in fact, has been with finishing the game. They do have a strong batting lineup, but they have to be able to string partnerships. Their bowling though has been better than their batting, but they have their task cut out against the strong Bangalore batting. Any slip-ups and Chargers can kiss their chances goodbye.Comment -
On motivation alone, you have to favour Bangalore even if (man for man) Deccan are a stronger team.
Disclaimer: I am 3-5 on IPL bets this season.Comment -
Good info, thanks.
Is their TV coverage on this match?Comment