IPL 2015 Schedule: Odds, Predictions and Live Stream Info for Cricket Fixtures
One of the most enamouring facets of the Indian Premier League is its ability to churn out shock results and even at this early stage of the competition, the crowds in attendance have been thrilled by some daring pieces of play from all eight of the sides involved.
But the biggest upset so far saw Delhi Daredevils—who had lost 11 matches in succession—beat the 2014 runners-up Kings XI Punjab in an absorbing encounter. It’s a blueprint you suspect the Mumbai Indians will look to replicate, as they gear up to face the star-studded Chennai Super Kings.
With that clash looming, here’s a look at some of the upcoming IPL fixtures, how the bookmakers are seeing things and which team is poised to emerge victorious when the cricketing superpowers of Mumbai and Chennai go head-to-head.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
| April 17 | Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings | 15/8 | 1/2 |
| April 18 | Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils | 8/11 | 11/10 |
| April 18 | Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders | 10/11 | Evs |
| April 19 | Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings | 6/5 | 8/15 |
| April 19 | Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians | 2/5 | Evs |
Mumbai Still Searching For First Victory
It’s been a very testing start to the IPL for the Indians. They had the unenviable task of going up against reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament curtain-raiser before tough games against Kings XI and an improving Rajasthan Royals outfit. Against the Super Kings, things are not going to get any easier.
They also received a major blow with the news that dangerous opening batsman Aaron Finch is set to miss the entire tournament with injury, as he revealed on Twitter:
While it’s been a tough start, the situation is quickly becoming desperate for Mumbai. Another loss here would make four in a row and even at this early stage, it’s a setback that’d be extremely difficult to recover from as they bid to make the end-of-season play-offs.
As such, they can’t afford to be too down on themselves, especially against this superb Chennai side. With batting firepower like Brendon McCullum and MS Dhoni complemented by the bowling talents of Dwayne Bravo and Ravichandran Ashwin, the Super Kings are a match for anyone in this year’s competition.
The former of that illustrious quartet played a superb innings last time out, finishing unbeaten on 100 and paving the way for a crucial win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. As noted by former India player Aakash Chopra, the New Zealand star is a vital cog in what’s a superb team:
Do Mumbai have the requisite quality to contain McCullum, Dhoni et al? Up to now they haven’t shown it, but on their day, players like Lasith Malinga, Corey Anderson, Harbhajan Singh and Kieron Pollard can take a game away from any side.
The duo of Pollard and Anderson were very impressive last time out, restructuring a toiling innings with an excellent 104-run partnership. Pollard’s hitting late on was superb and gave the Indians a fighting chance against the Royals, as we can see here courtesy of Freddie Wilde of ESPN Cricinfo:
The problem for Mumbai is consistency. While there is talent to tap into, they are a squad which is heavy on stars who haven’t played much cricket of late and that’s been evident in the early stages of the tournament with a string of capricious displays. The potential has been there to catch fire, but as yet it’s not materialised.
Even though Chennai were a little off colour in their opening match, they were back at their best against Hyderabad. They are a professional outfit boasting players with panache but, critically—and unlike Mumbai—they have an underpinning steeliness to complement these aesthetic attributes.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
