IPL 2014 Match 47 prediction: Chennai (52%) expected to defeat Kolkata (48%)

By Shashi Mittal On May 19, 2014

Prediction methodology

Note: Starting match 14 onwards, we are using only the data of IPL 2014 to predict the outcome of the matches of the current series.

Prediction: Chennai (52%) predicted to defeat Kolkata (48%) (Match scorecard)

If T20 is a format dictated by momentum, then the advantage is with the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won four consecutive games and are on the threshold of the knock-out stage. Moreover, they will be playing this match at home - finally, after playing a couple of their home games at the makeshift venue of Cuttack. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings just lost a match at their own makeshift venue of Ranchi, which was supposed to be a citadel of hometown boy MS Dhoni. However, despite the apparent reversal in momentum for the two teams, the fact remains that the Super Kings are a more well-rounded team than the Knight Riders, and therefore have a slight advantage going into this match.

Kolkata Knight Riders are still heavily dependent on their top order to score runs, though their middle order did play an important role in chasing down the target in their previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chennai's batting lineup is much more balanced, and they have a master finisher in Dhoni, who has the ability to chase down any target on the board. If the Knight Riders win toss, they will be wise to put Chennai to bat first and restrict them to a middling total. The Eden Gardens pitch historically has been favorable to spin, and Kolkata's spinners should come in handy here. Chennai are only too well aware of their struggle against Bangalore's spinners in their previous match. They will look to avoid making the same mistakes and would like to secure their playoff berth by getting a win against Kolkata.

Cricmetric's current prediction success rate for IPL 2014: 25/45 (56%)