Indian Premier League - IPL 
/ Ed Hawkins / 18 April 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Can Brendon McCullum put together back-to-back scores?
"It may not have escaped your notice that 11 of the 15 matches so far have been won by the side batting second"
Ed Hawkins assesses potential betting angles as these two sides meet in Kochi on Monday...
Kochi
Mahela Jayawardene's team pulled off a surprise victory against Mumbai last time out and, having lost their first two, it would be a surprise if they made changed a winning formula. A flu to fast bowler Sreesanth forced their hand but they looked a more balanced side with Sri Lankan Thisara Perrera. Muttiah Muralitharan and VVS Laxman may well have to miss out again.
Chennai
The Super Kings promoted Australian Mike Hussey to opener for their match against Bangalore and the move paid off as he top scored with 83. Still, if they repeat the tactic, Chennai appear to have a soft middle-order with only MS Dhoni who would cause concerns for Kochi. Chennai would like to see a few more runs from Suresh Raina, who just hasn't got going. Tim Southee's death bowling has been excellent.
Match odds
It may not have escaped your notice that 11 of the 15 matches so far have been won by the side batting second. It is an extraordinary trend which, frankly, is difficult to explain. Ordinarily, slow and low Indian pitches can make it difficult to chase but over such a decent study period and variety of venues it is probably just a quirk.
A shame then that we have nothing more soild to hang our hat. If there was an obvious reason for the bias we could stick up Kochi at [2.56] to beat [1.60] Chennai. The price about the hosts is a terrific trading opportunity but you should know that already - it is the best way to play IPL.
Top batsman
Kochi opened with Brendon McCullum and Jayawardene against Mumbai but the former may be out of the firing line if they bat first. Parthiv Patel could be promoted. McCullum, who top scored in that game, is expected to go off at [4.00] but we are not sure he can put back-to-back scores together so he looks worth a lay. Ravi Jadeja has found some form so look out for him. For Chennai, Hussey is the correct favourite but his fellow opener Murali Vijay could be underrated.
Best bet: Lay B McCullum for top Kochi bat @ [4.00]
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