IPL 2014 Match 31 prediction: Punjab (58%) expected to defeat Bangalore (42%)

By Shashi Mittal On May 08, 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 (58%) predicted to defeat Bangalore (42%) (Match scorecard)

A clash of two teams having some of the most explosive batsmen in the shortest format of Cricket, it is expected that the match is going to be a run fest. However, one should not overlook the respective bowling strength of the two teams. Royal Challengers Bangalore currently have the best team bowling economy rate, while Kings XI Punjab have the second-best bowling average as a team. Therefore, this match is as much about the contest between the two super-charged batting lineups, as it is about the clash between two very solid bowling lineups. This should be a very good all-round contest between the bat and ball - as long as the weather does not play spoilsport.

The recent form of Kings XI Punjab give them a definite advantage over Royal Challengers Bangalore. Glenn Maxwell, who seemed to have cooled down a little bit after exploding at the start of the tournament, went on a rampage again in the previous match against Chennai Super Kings. In addition, David Miller has been in a great form, and Sehwag and Maxwell have provided excellent support as well. Royal Challengers are still waiting for their holy trinity - Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli - to go ballistic at the same time. The Royal Challengers have every possible weapon in their arsenal to defeat the Kings, but they have to make sure not to scatter their shots against a formidable enemy.

Cricmetric's current prediction success rate for IPL 2014: 16/30 (53%)