Qualification beckons as Punjab aim for early advantage
Only few times has the battle for qualification gone down to the final few games. Aside from Chennai Super Kings who are already out of the competition, the others are still vying for a play-off spot. Punjab’s topsy-turvy season seemed to be heading down the right path when they won five games on the trot. The loss to Rajasthan Royals on Friday came as a bolt from the blue and affects their moral heading into this game. That said, they will be happy their opponent is Chennai, giving them odds of 1.80 to win the game.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, have been on a spree of upsetting the plans of other teams ever since their qualification became out of question. The youngsters have stepped up for Chennai and finally there seems to be some sort of promjse in the team. While CSK also have a good bowling core this time, it is the batting that has won them some of their games. Their odds of beating Kings XI Punjab stand at 2.00
Overall head to head record sees Chennai Super Kings reign over Kings XI Punjab
The overall records are in favour of Chennai, despite Punjab being decent enough to stitch in a few wins over the years in head-to-head encounters. Chennai Super Kings have 14 wins in head-to-head matches while Punjab have had 9 wins over the years. The history of the two teams in this league have been completely different over the years, and it shows in the win-loss ratio. Since 2019, CSK have won two of the three games between these teams including the one earlier this season.
RECOMMENDED BET: Kings XI Punjab have one of the strongest batting line-ups in the season and have odds of 1.80 to win this game
Notably, Chennai Super Kings have been brutal against Punjab over the years irrespective of whether they bat first or chase a target. The last time these sides met, Chennai thumped Punjab by 10 wickets chasing 179.
Keep an eye on…
CSK line-up: Since being out of the competition, Chennai has been chopping and changing their starting XI to accomodate more people. Faf du Plessis, who made 87* the last time these teams met might get back in while KM Asif or Ravi Sai Kishore are also in with a possibility to play.
Chris Gayle: He has three half-centuries in six matches this season and has been an impact player for them from no.3. His prowess against leg-spin and left-arm spin is well known and Chennai will want to take him down early with pace.
TIPS: KL Rahul is the Orange Cap holder and has found himself to be in real good form. He has odds of 7.00 to win the Player of the Match award.
