Kolkata ace Lynn primed for more IPL fireworks

Gujarat Lions v Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sky Sports Mix, 11.30am Saturday
Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians
Sky Sports Mix, 3.30pm Saturday

Sunrisers Hyderabad are odds-on to beat the long-eliminated Gujarat Lions and secure their spot in the IPL playoffs next week.

David Warner’s charges will probably go off a lot shorter if the Lions bat first in Kanpur as they have lost 12 of their 13 games when defending a total over the past two seasons, including Wednesday’s game at the Green Park venue when the also knocked-out Delhi Daredevils chased down 196.

Sunrisers have won five of their last eight completed games and cruised to a nine-wicket win in pursuit of 136 when the teams met in Hyderabad last month.

Rashid Khan was the star with the ball for Sunrisers on that occasion with 3-19 but the value bet to be their top wicket-taker this time is Siddharth Kaul.

Kaul took 3-24 in Monday’s win over leaders Mumbai Indians and 4-29 in last Saturday’s loss to Rising Pune Supergiant. He has also claimed 2-26 against Kolkata Knight Riders and 3-36 against Kings XI Punjab this campaign.

Kolkata and Mumbai battle it out at Eden Gardens to try to claim top spot and book a top-two berth. However, punters should be aware that the 5-6 Knight Riders will probably feel safe for a top-four spot with a narrow loss because their run-rate is so good.

The wager to have is big-hitting opener Chris Lynn to top score for a second time in three outings for Kolkata since returning from injury. On Sunday he hit 50 in Bangalore and on Tuesday he smashed 84 in Mohali.

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