The second match of the Indian Premier League sees two sides who failed to make the playoffs last season begin their quest to go better this year when the Rising Pune Supergiant take on the Mumbai Indians in a potentially explosive clash.
The winner of this match will be able to put the struggles of last season behind them while the losers will have a mental hurdle to overcome so although it is the first of 14 matches for the pair it is pretty important.
Rising Pune Supergiant
When you spend the money that the Rising Pune Supergiant did in the auction you immediately carry pressure into the tournament with you and that is something this side will need to manage. The other thing they will need to manage quickly is the change in leadership after Steve Smith took over from MS Dhoni.
One problem for Steve Smith is going to be the management of his bowlers because the attack doesn’t appear to be as strong this season as it looked last year and having spent so much on Ben Stokes there may not be enough cash to reinforce should they struggle with the ball at any point in the campaign.
Mumbai Indians
The former champions Mumbai Indians will have been disappointed with last season’s campaign and coach Ricky Ponting carried the can for that. He has been replaced by Mahela Jayawardena and his tactical knowledge and knowhow will be pivotal to the batting line up in this side if not the team overall.
There is a genuine case to be made that the Mumbai Indians have the best bowling attack in the competition when everyone is here and they will be out to prove that. They certainly face a batting line up which will need some taming so they have an immediate chance to make a significant impression with the ball.
Team News
We know Steve Smith and Ben Stokes will fill two overseas spots. One is captain and the other cost too much to leave out. Faf du Plessis and Adam Zampa are leading the race for the other two spots but Imran Tahir could play. Ravi Ashwin is out for the season.
Mumbai Indians will be without Asela Gunaratne and Lasith Malinga who will both be away playing for Sri Lanka at the same time as this match. Mitchell Johnson could be given a spot in the side.
Betting
I say it all the time but I truly do believe that the way to success in betting on this format of the game is to have the best bowling attack on side and that is what I’m going to do here. It worked on the opening day of the tournament and I expect it to work again here.
With that in mind I’m on the Mumbai Indians in this match. They have the best bowling attack of these two sides and potentially the best one in the competition and what they might lack with the bat they certainly make up for with the ball. That said they don’t lack for much with the bat if either Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler or Kieron Pollard get going so I’m on the visitors here.
Tips
Back Mumbai Indians to beat Rising Pune Supergiant for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with 888sport
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