IPL 2014 Match 52 prediction: Punjab (53%) expected to defeat Rajasthan (47%)
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: Punjab (53%) predicted to defeat Rajasthan (47%) (Match scorecard)
Both Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals come into this match with their respective momentum disrupted. Kings XI Punjab are still comfortably atop the points table and need just one win to seal a top-two spot and get two chances to make it to the finals. However, Rajasthan have dropped down to the fourth position and are in the danger zone of losing out of a playoff spot. They need just one more win to enter the knock-out stage, but both their remaining matches (including this one) are away from home.
Punjab's performance has shown a distinct decline since the start of the tournament. Once looking mightily invincible, they are now suddenly showing cracks in both their batting and bowling. Their top batsman and bowler - Glenn Maxwell and Sandeep Sharma - seem to have run out of steam in the stretch run of the season. Maxwell is no longer hitting half-centuries in quarter-century deliveries, and Sharma is leaking runs at an alarming rates without being able to take wickets. For Rajasthan, some of their wounds are self-inflicted, as they paid a heavy price of not playing some of their regulars in their previous, despite having not sealed a playoff berth yet. With a full strength team, they should be in a better shape to face Punjab in this match.
Cricmetric's current prediction success rate for IPL 2014: 26/50 (52%)
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