Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings betting preview: MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Shane Watson proving their doubters wrong
In the eight Indian Premier Leagues in which they have appeared, Chennai Super Kings have qualified for the play-offs. Make that nine out of nine.
When they meet Delhi Daredevils on Friday it will be in a dead rubber with their progress assured.
The Super Kings, though, have taken many by surprise. Ageing stars like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Harbhjan Singh and Shane Watson were not supposed to have the cut and thrust of the younger generation in such a frenetic format.
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But although they are ready for their pipe and slippers they have proven that wisdom counts for an awful lot.
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Could that experience extend to not overdoing it in a game which, frankly, isnt that important?
Possibly, although Super Kings will argue that it still holds significant relevance because of the advantages of finishing top of the group.
The bookmakers are not so sure. Arguably Chennai, who have won eight from 12 and twice beaten league leaders Sunrisers, should be a little shorter than the best 4-6 with Bet365, Skybet, William Hill and Boylesports.
Delhi, lets not forget, have had another terrible season, winning three from 12.
When these sides last met Chennai won by 13 runs after amassing 211. It was a game which neatly exposed each teams strengths and weaknesses.
Chennai are the most consistently powerful batting unit in the tournament. Their bowling, however, can be wayward. But they get the job done more often than not.
Delhi are the worst bowling outfit in the tournament. They are hopeless at keeping things tight and if they were to cause an upset here it would almost certainly have to be in a chase.
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We would expect Chennai to get pretty much anything Delhi post. With batsmen to the fore we are again tempted by the prospect of a ton. Betfair Sportsbook offer 15-2.
Dhoni and Watson both notched half centuries in the previous clash and go off at 7-2 (Bet365) and 11-2 (Bet365, Skybet, Boylesports) respectively.
Ambati Rayudu, their most consistent hitter, is finally rated correctly at 3-1 (Betfair Sportsbook).
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