Mr Cricket: IPL - Bangalore v Kolkata

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IPL - Bangalore v Kolkata

IT has finally arrived, the time when cricket will be thrust into a brave new slap-and-dash world with the start of the Indian Premier League.
Our job is to cut through all the hype and hoopla and make some cold, hard cash from the new cricket revolution. If you have read our general betting preview (which we advise) you will know that traditional betting rules can be thrown out the window with this madcap form of cricket. So how do we make money? We'll have a look at the opening game in a moment.

But, firstly, Punting Ace subscribers can get a leg-up by taking advantage of an exclusive offer through Lasseters Sportsbook where the bookie will give the team that bats second in the opening IPL match, between Bangalore and Kolkata, a start of 9.5 runs. So even if the chasing team loses, but gets within 9.5, the bet is a winner. Sound good?

Sounds great when you consider the history of international Twenty20 matches which reveal that 27 out of the 52 decided matches have been won by the team batting second. And only four chasing teams have fallen short of the target by 9.5 runs or less. Those stats are not surprising really because we think it has always been an advantage to bat second in Twenty20 matches. With a reduced number of overs compared to a 50-over match, but still the same number of batsmen, it gives chasing teams a clearer insight on whether they should go hell for leather or pace themselves.

Secondly, the disadvantages of batting second in a 50-over matches (the ball is harder to see at night, more swing at night, harder to score because of dew) aren't as nearly as much of a factor in the condensed 20-over format. So our first hot tip is to take advantage of the generous Lasseters offer and take the 9.5 in the opening game.

GAME ONE

BANGALORE v KOLKATA

We have tipped Bangalore as an IPL dark horse but there are too many things working against them in the opening clash against Kolkata. Losing spinner Anil Kumble with a groin injury is an emormous blow because we love the variety of spinners in this format and Kumble can also wield the willow with distinction. Bangalore don't really have another ace spinner outside of Aussie Cameron White who is more of a batsman these days.

Other problems for Bangalore are that quality South African paceman Steyn won't be available and both Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan batsman, and Abdur Razzaq, the Bangladesh left-arm spinner, will miss the opening clash. Allrounder Ashley Noffke is a more than admirable replacement for Nathan Bracken but he will still be jetlagged as he was only a last-minute call-up. All in all there are too many hurdles for Bangalore, even in front of their home crowd. Kolkata, boasting Test skipper Ricky Ponting and future Australian star David Hussey, along with in-form Indian Sourav Ganguly, look too hard to toss. Kolkata coach John Buchanan is nothing if not thorough and there is no doubt he will have his side cherry ripe for this match.

There's no need to get too funky with the betting here - get on Kolkata straight out at $1.75 with Centrebet or RacingOdds. Don't go too mad because it's the watch and learn stage of the tournament but we do think Kolkata are good value. And as we think Kolkata have the greater firepower for this match, especially including West Indian cool cat Chris Gayle, we also think the $2.20 on Kolkata to hit the most sixes is incredible overs on bet365's exotic market and worth a decent bet. Bet down to $2.10 on this one.