IPL 2009 – Durban’s Double Header
by Juris Graney
If you feel like making some money today than the IPL’s double-header at Durban’s Kingsmead Oval offers you just that.
The trick though is to make sure you get the first winner away for your parlay bet at BetUS Sportsbook, which could very well be the toughest ask considering the track record of both teams.
Then you have to consider an upset win like the Rajasthan Royals did yesterday against the short priced favorites the Delhi Daredevils thanks to a cracking innings by Indian right hander Yusuf Pathan’s blistering (62no off 30) and Proteas captain Graham Smith’s 44no off 46 balls.
The first match is a battle of the bottom of the table when the Kolkata Knight Riders (-130) take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (-110).
Kolkata is sitting in sixth (P5/W1/L3/NR1) while Bangalore (P5/W1/L4) are firmly entrenched at the bottom of the table and not even the magic of captain Kevin Pietersen can seemingly keep them alive.
If KP can rally the likes of Kiwi duo of Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor into action, than they are at a good position however it is hard to see them overcoming Kolkata.
Kolkata are due to fire however with Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle and Brad Hodge having quiet tournaments so far while Saurav Ganguly is the danger man.
If Bangalore can prevent Ganguly from getting a start than they could sneak away with their second win but the safe money is on Kolkata taking the prize.
Meanwhile in the second match Kings XI Punjab (+110) will be hoping to climb the ladder ahead of Mumbai Indians (-150) to keep them in touch with the competition leaders.
(More IPL betting options at BetUS.com)
Kings (P4/W2/L4) have had an indifferent tournament so far and really need their big three, Yuvraj Singh, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to fire if they are to rekindle last year’s semi-final appearance.
They have plenty of depth on their sub bench but their most experienced and prolific players hold the key.
Mumbai (P4/W2/L1/NR1) rely too heavy on their captain Sachin Tendulkar with the world’s best batsman leading his team mates into complacency and if not for the exquisite bowling of Lasith Malinga, Mumbai would be lucky not to be running midfield.
Our money is with Kings to take the prize against Mumbai which makes our parlay bet of Kolkata and Mumbai a healthy winner and a good day out for the punters.
