IPL 2024: Best Bets For The Weekend

The IPL 2024 weekend action starts on Saturday, with Rajasthan Royals hosting Royal Challengers Bangalore. On Sunday, there’s a doubleheader: Mumbai Indians take on Delhi Capitals in the first game in Mumbai, followed by Lucknow Super Giants facing Gujarat Titans. Here are our best bets for this weekend’s matches.

Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Saturday, 6 April at 16:00

Trent Boult and Nandre Burger have formed a formidable pace duo for Rajasthan, significantly impacting the powerplay. Their aggressive bowling, complemented by Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin, makes RR one of the favourites for this year’s title. Despite some batting inconsistencies, notably from Jos Buttler and the top order, Riyan Parag’s performances have been a silver lining, showcasing his breakout season potential.

Rajasthan’s bowling poses a stark challenge for RCB, whose struggles have been pronounced this season. The top order has faltered, with key players like Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell not hitting their stride, and the bowling lineup needs to be more consistent, with only Yash Dayal showing some promise.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win at 1.71.

Best Bet: Faf du Plessis to score under 24.5 runs at 1.86.

Value Bet: Trent Boult to be Rajasthan Royals’ top bowler at 3.00.

Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals

Sunday, 7 April at 12:00

Despite a rocky start and underperformance from key players, there’s still potential for a season turnaround for Mumbai Indians. Tilak Varma and Tim David unexpectedly lead the team’s scoring, with Suryakumar Yadav still yet to make a return from injury. The team’s strong home record will give them confidence, including past success against Delhi, who’ve struggled at the Wankhede.

Delhi faces their challenges with a 1-3 record this season, highlighting the importance of this matchup for playoff prospects. Their recent heavy losses are an issue this season, though their batting shows promise. The game is pivotal for both teams to regain momentum early in the season and we fancy Mumbai Indians to win this game.

Prediction: Mumbai Indians to win 1.64.

Best Bet: Tilak Varma to score over 26.5 runs at 1.86.

Value Bet: Tilak Varma to be MI’s top batter at 4.50.

Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans

Sunday, 7 April at 16:00

Lucknow enters this match with momentum, boasting a 2-1 record after impressive wins. Mayank Yadav has emerged as a key player, winning the Player of the Match awards for his crucial wickets, filling the void left by Mark Wood’s injury. Despite high run rates from other fast bowlers and lacklustre performance from last year’s leading wicket-taker Ravi Bishnoi, Lucknow’s bowling is still looking good, especially with Bishnoi’s track record at Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Gujarat, on the other hand, faces challenges despite a five-game win streak on the road, including a victory in Lucknow. They’re currently 2-2, after a disappointing defence of 199 in their last match against Punjab, with concerns over fielding errors and batting decisions. As the league’s slowest scorers so far, Gujarat needs to address their scoring pace to improve their standing.

Both teams have been decent in this year’s campaign so far, but Lucknow have looked the more balanced and in-form side. Back Lucknow to win this game.

Prediction: Lucknow Super Giants to win at 1.83.

Best Bet: Mayank Yadav to be Lucknow’s top bowler at 3.50.

Value Bet: Mayank Yadav to be the player of the match at 13.00.