IPL 2009 Betting - Experiments Provide X-factors for Punters
by Juris Graney
It has taken 45 matches of the current Indian Premier League tournament for the Mumbai Indians (-150) to meet the Rajasthan Royals (+110) and it could not have come at a better time for IPL cricket betting.
Not only will this match sure up a top four spot for either team, but it could also relegate an unfortunate team from a semi-final spot.
Cricket betting odds & lines suggest Mumbai (P11/W5/L5/NR1) is clear favourites however an upset is certainly on the cards.
Yes Mumbai have won their past two matches while Rajasthan (P11/W5/L5/NR1) are coming off two losses but both teams have 11 points and the only thing separating them from a semi final berth and oblivion is net run rate, which Mumbai (+0.54) has a slight advantage over Rajasthan (-0.37).
Mumbai is showing a strange sense of complacency at the business end of the season and in their last match against Kings XI Punjab dropped captain Sachin Tendulkar from opener to second drop and opened with West Indies bowler Dwayne Bravo.
The experiment worked with the out of sorts captain scoring 41 not out off 29 balls while Bravo’s 70 not out off 59 balls was the match winner in chasing down the smallish total of 120.
It would be unadvisable for them to take that attitude into this game with Rajasthan who have a good bowling attack and sports the likes of leg spin great Shane Warne, South African quick Morne Morkel, Indian spin twins Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja.
Surprisingly we like Rajasthan in an upset win over Mumbai for the simple fact that Proteas captain Graeme Smith is due for more runs after a lean period while Aussie left hander Lee Carseldine provides Rajasthan with an appetising X-factor at the top of the order.
For those who haven’t seen Carseldine bat, call your cable provider to watch this match, it could be well worth it.
