Predictions 4.0

Final round of league matches. The big question for today is whether Raptors can make it to the finals by out playing Ravens. And that is the first match to be played today.

A. Raptors vs. Ravens: If Raptors lose it is game over for them and the rest of the matches bear little significance. However, if they win Ravens would have to win the last match in the league stage, against Initimidators, to qualify on NRR. Not surprisingly I am rooting for a Raptors victory. Raptors have been consistently inconsistent during the tournament. Their performance could be anywhere between appalling to good. Their goal in this match could be to avoid blunders rather than play brilliantly. Ravens, on the other hand, have been largely under-performing. They are sorely missing the services of Aksar and Chota Shane. Their weak point could be the bowling especially when the other team has a few good hitters. For this match I would give Raptors a slight chance of winning because of the momentum and slightly better batting.

B. Vandals vs. Intimidators: Two of the better teams playing against each other. I would give Intimidators a slight edge ahead of Vandals as they would want to wipe off their last defeat. Vandals are already through and are a very good side, and watch out for them during the knock outs. This might be a preview of the final before the final as well.

C. Supernova vs.Challengers: Supernova should easily win this unless they decide to rest the team by resting Hey Ram. They would not want to carry the thought that Hey Ram has clicked for two consecutive matches to the knockouts. Nevertheless, I am sure they are not afraid of the law of averages and will easily win this contest.

D. Ravens vs. Intimidators: Intimidators should win this one and if the predictions are correct Ravens will be out of the tournament. As it has been said, they are not playing to the potential and are a missing a couple of good players. However, if they do make it by defeating Intimidators they would be - as they say - back with a bang. I hope that happens as there is so much 'friendly' banter when they play and makes for excellent viewing. For the prediction though, Intimidators will win.

All right! All set for the matches. Enjoy the last round as I am sure you will do and we will come back next week with match analysis and who is the blogger contest. Exciting prizes to be won there.

Cheers!