IPL 2021 Match 8 – Punjab Kings v Chennai Super Kings Betting Preview

IPL 2021: Punjab Kings v Chennai Super Kings, Preview, Prediction, Probable Playing XIs and Value Bets

Match Details
Punjab Kings v Chennai Super Kings
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Friday, April 16th, 2021
16:00 SA Time

Betting Preview

The eighth match of the IPL season sees Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) battle at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. The two teams have faced each other on 23 occasions with CSK coming out victorious 14 times. The last three matches between the two sides have gone in favour of CSK. CSK hold the historical edge but Punjab Kings have a stronger unit currently.

PBKS are heading into this match with a win under the belt. PBKS beat RR in their first game by four runs in a mind-blowing thriller. KL Rahul looked at his best as he’s been in the last few IPL seasons, smashing 91 runs off 50 balls. Chris Gayle, as reliable as ever, scored a quick 40 off 28 deliveries. The real surprise from PBKS was Deepak Hooda.

Promoted up the order, ahead of destructive Nicholas Pooran, Hooda had to match his intent and he did just that. He specifically targeted the leg-spinners and smashed 64 off 28. Mohammad Shami continued to improve his T20 bowling and looked very sharp. Arshdeep Singh has carried forward his last year’s exploits with an outstanding spell in the first match where he also defended the last over.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, lost their first game against Delhi Capitals as they struggled to defend 188 at Wankhede. Chennai’s batting looked better than it has in a long time. The intent was there to see in CSK batsmen. Moeen Ali showed that he has real value in the middle or top-order batsman with his 36 off 24. Raina returned to IPL with a quality half-century. Sam Curran brought his recent form with him and gave CSK a late push with 34 off 15 balls. But Chennai Super Kings’ main problem was their bowling. All of CSK bowlers were taken to the cleaners except Dwayne Bravo. They will have to improve their bowling somehow if they wish to advance through.

Injury and Availability News

Punjab Kings will have all the players available for selection. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings had named Jason Behrendorff as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood. Behrendorff won’t be available due to mandatory quarantine requirements.

Probable Playing XI

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul (c/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Murugan Ashwin, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo

Pitch and Conditions

Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium has provided high scoring matches time and again. Pitches and short boundaries at this venue are just perfect for batting. The average first innings score in the last 3 seasons at Wankhede is 172. The first two games at this venue in IPL 2021 have seen scores of 188, 190, 221 & 217.

Key Players to Watch Out For

Chris Gayle: The universe boss has cemented his place in the history of game as the greatest T20 batsman. At 41 years of age, Chris Gayle doesn’t show any signs of slowing down and just wants to keep playing. Gayle has a terrific record in IPL with 4812 runs to his name at an average of 41 and strike rate of 150. Gayle has started this season well with a 28-ball-40 knock and he’ll be looking to go big against CSK bowlers.

Riley Meredith: The Australian pacer was absolutely hammered on his IPL debut as he conceded 49 runs in 4 overs against Rajasthan Royals. But Riley Meredith has great potential and raw speed. He could be a real threat against CSK batting which has plenty of hard lengths suspects. Meredith had picked 16 wickets in the Big Bash League season with an economy of 7.81.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: The CSK opener showed a real spark at the back end of the 2020 IPL season with three fifties. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 204 runs in 6 innings at an average of 51. With the combination of classical strokeplay and aerial shots, Gaikwad is a treat to watch. Gaikwad should enjoy the extra pace and batting surface at Wankhede Stadium.

Sam Curran: The 22 year old youngster, in his short career, has made a name himself as someone who rises up to the occasion. In IPL, Sam Curran scores at a healthy strike rate of 149. Add to that his bowling abilities and he becomes a pretty handy T20 package. More of a batting all-rounder, Sam Curran has started the season in style. In their first match against DC, Curran smashed 34 off 15 deliveries to power CSK to a good total.

What Bets To Take

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul to be PBKS’s top batsman at 2.85.

Mohammad Shami to be PBKS’s top bowler at 3.50.

Chennai Super Kings

Faf du Plessis to be CSK’s top batsman at 3.60.

Shardul Thakur/Imran Tahir to be CSK’s top bowler at 3.75.

Prediction: Punjab Kings/Chennai Super Kings to win at 1.86.