IPL 2014 Match 49 prediction: In a close contest, Bangalore (51%) predicted to defeat Kolkata (49%)

By Shashi Mittal On May 22, 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: In a close contest, Bangalore (51%) predicted to defeat Kolkata (49%) (Match scorecard)

With five consecutive wins, the Kolkata Knight Riders have quietly become the new rage of the tournament. They have one foot firmly in the top four, and need just one more win to seal a playoff berth. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore aren't quite done yet, but they will need to win all of their remaining matches, plus some luck, to reach the final four. Their inconsistent performance throughout this season has been in a sharp contrast with the consistent form that Knight Riders have shown off late. Bangalore have very good individual players, but unfortunately their team as a whole has been less than the sum of the parts.

Expect this match to be really close one. Kolkata have the momentum and the home ground factor in their favor, but Bangalore has the ability to throw a surprise and disrupt their nice winning streak. Their previous match up in the season was a close affair and Kolkata just managed to hang in there for a win. This match is likely to go down the wire as well, but our model gives a very slight edge to Bangalore. Bangalore will certainly be looking for all that edge to have one last final try at the playoff spot.

Cricmetric's current prediction success rate for IPL 2014: 26/48 (54%)