IPL: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Ronan Curran on 2011-05-17 09:52:04

HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala - The Kings XI Punjab host the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a crucial match for both side's IPL title hopes. The Kings XI Punjab are the 6/4 underdogs for the match with bet365. The in-form Challengers are a best price of 4/7 with Paddy Power to secure victory.

The Kings XI Punjab currently sit in 5th place in the IPL points table, one place off the play-off places with two matches remaining. Due to their poor NRR, the hosts will be need victory in both of their last two matches and hope other results go their way to stand any chance of securing a top four finish. Punjab have hit form again and have won their last three games in a row including a convincing victory over Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians to stay alive in the competition.

The Royal Challengers currently top this season's IPL table and have already secured their place in the play-offs. Led by the phenomenal batting of Chris Gayle, Bangalore have won their last seven matches in a row and will be looking for victory today to help secure a top two finish and give themselves two chances at reaching the IPL final. Bangalore have won all their games since Gayle arrived and are now the 13/5 second favourites for the IPL trophy.

Chris Gayle, who has scored an incredible 436 runs in his seven IPL fixtures this season, is the 2/1 favourite with Ladbrokes to top score for his side. Virat Kholi, who has scored the sixth most runs in the IPL this season, is a 4/1 chance with the same firm whilst South African international AB De Villiers is at a best price of 5/1 with bet365 in the same market.

Shaun Marsh, the fourth top runs scorer in the IPL so far, is the 10/3 favourite with Betfred to top score for Punjab. Paul Valthaty, who leads the IPL in runs scored, is a 7/2 chance with Paddy Power whilst skipper Adam Gilchrist is a 4/1 shot with Skybet.

The big hitting of Chris Gayle, who has 32 sixes so far this season, makes the Challengers the 13/20 favourites to hit the most sixes in the match with Kings XI 2/1 in the same market with Paddy Power.  Bangalore are also the favourites to hit the highest opening partnership in the game at a best price of 4/5 on Betfair.

The Match Kicks Off at 1530 BST and 2000 local time.

Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Match Result Betting
Indian Premier League 2011 Tournament Winner
Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Top Royal Challengers Batsman Betting
Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Top King XI Batsman Betting
Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Most Sixes Betting
Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Highest Opening Partnership Betting