IPL Betting: Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Orange is Hussey's colour

Ed Hawkins, who has nine winners from 13 IPL tips, says the underdog Royals can hurt Chennai in Jaipur on Sunday

Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings
Start time: 15.30BST
TV: live on ITV4

Rajasthan Royals
It is true that this is the most unpopular tournament in the world. The money, the greed, the garishness, the rumours of corruption. But if there is a heartwarming tale, Rajasthan are it. They are led by the esteemed and all-round good egg Rahul Dravid and it is fantastic to see them cocking a snook at the flashier franchises. They were sitting pretty in second on Saturday morning following a run of five wins in six matches. Dravid has recently praised the bowlers. No Wonder. Only Mumbai (by 0.10 of a run) and the Sunrisers have a more economical attack. Kevon Cooper was the star against King's XI last time out taking three for 23.

Chennai Super Kings
Following a run of seven consecutive wins Chennai came unstuck against Mumbai. And how. They were bowled out for just 79. It was a bizarre effort considering in the match before against King's they had posted a whopping 186. However, CSK got back to winning ways by beating Sunrisers. That just highlighted the lethargy against Mumbai. They scored an incredible 223 (remember our early statement about Sunrisers' bowling?) with Suresh Raina hitting 99. Murali Vijay has returned to open the batting. Chris Morris, expensive against Sunrisers, will be under threat from Dirk Nannes and Albie Morkel.

First-innings runs
Here are the last nine first-innings scores in Jaipur over the last two seasons of IPL (most recent first): 154-178-171-144-179-124-144-162-170. That is an average of 158. Six of those were won by the side chasing but because the Royals have been so dominant at home that stat tells us more about their ability as a side under pressure. When the sides met previously Rajasthan posted 185 first up as one of the seven times they have batted first this year. However, they have scored more than 160 only three times.

Match odds
Rajasthan are unbeaten in Jaipur this season and Chennai face a stern test. Indeed, CSK were given an almighty scare in that previous meeting when they managed to chase down an intimidating total with only a ball to spare. That was typical of CSK. Often they look disinterested in a chase, reckoning they can leave it late. Sometimes it pays off. If we have a repeat we are sure for a cracking match in terms of entertainment and trading. But if you are one who prefers to let a bet run, our advice is to back Rajasthan. They have a great team ethic, their fortress is impregnable and, importantly, disciplined bowlers in the face of the second-best batting line-up in IPL. Rajasthan are 2.285/4 for this one and that is too big by about 18 clicks. Chennai are 1.695/7 and are a decent in-play lay.

Top Rajasthan bat
Shane Watson has put his troubles with his national side behind him and is having a fine tournament. Against CSK last time he hit a brilliant century, top-scoring with 101 off a bliserting 61 balls.

Top Chennai bat
Mike Hussey, wearer of the orange cap, won the gae for CSK v the Royals. His 88 from 51 balls earned him honours. But there were contributions, too from Raina (51 from 35) and Dwayne Bravo (15 from nine).

Recomended Bet
Back Rajasthan at 2.285/4