IPL 2014 Match 18 prediction: Punjab (63%) expected to easily defeat Bangalore (37%)

By Shashi Mittal On April 28, 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: Punjab (63%) predicted to defeat Bangalore (37%) (Match scorecard)

Is there anything that can stop the Punjab juggernaut in this season? In their previous match against Kolkata, their batting line-up didn't quite fire as much as it had in the matches before that. This means that for the first time, the bowlers of Kings XI Punjab were tested, and they were up to their job as they easily defended a modest total of 132 runs. With arguably the best batting among all the teams in the tournament, and a solid bowling attack, Kings XI Punjab look all set to roll over Royal Challengers Bangalore.

On the other hand, Bangalore's big ticket batting lineup collapsed spectacularly against Rajasthan in their previous match, as they struggled to decode the leg spin of Pravin Tambe. They will have to watch out for Akshar Patel in this match, who can be equally menacing. Chris Gayle's availability in this match is still uncertain, but if he plays he can restore the strength in the batting lineup of Bangalore that has been sorely lacking in the past few matches. Our model predicts that Punjab should be able to take this one too easily against Bangalore.

Cricmetric's current prediction success rate for IPL 2014: 8/17 (47%)