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Cape Town - On Saturday, April 7 the first ball will be bowled in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The opening round sees South African stars such as AB De Villiers, David Miller, Quinton De Kock and Chris Morris fight it out for the upper hand in the early stages of the tournament.
Check out the first round fixtures below:
Saturday, April 7
16:30 - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings
Sunday, April 8
12:30 - Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils
16:30 - Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore
Monday, April 9
16:30 - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Rajasthan Royals
Tournament favourites and odds:
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have made it a habit of taking home the IPL trophy with three titles. The team has flourished under the leadership of Mahela Jayawardene and will look to assert their dominance once again.
Previous year position: Winners
Star players: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Hardik Pandya
Kolkata Knight Riders
The two-time IPL champion Kolkata Knight Riders have spent the cash and have bought the complete squad. It's impossible to overlook the quality of the KKR squad the must be considered serious contenders for 2018 IPL title.
Previous year position: Lost in semi-finals to the eventual winners
Star players: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Mitchell Johnson
Royal Challengers Bangalore
After a poor year, the Royal Challengers Bangalore will have it all to prove in 2018. They were able to bring in the balance needed with recent signings and somehow strengthen their batting order. With AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Quinton de Kock and Brendon McCullum, out-scoring the Challengers will be a difficult task.
Previous year position: Last Place
Star players: Virat Kohli, Quinton de Kock, AB De Villiers
Leading SA bookies BET.co.za have priced up the odds for the 2018 Indian Premier League outright winner. Check them out:
Mumbai Indians - 77/20
Royal Challengers Bangalore - 39/10
Sunrisers Hyderabad - 23/4
Kolkata Knight Riders - 6/1
Chennai Super Kings - 25/4
Rajasthan Royals - 29/4
Delhi Daredevils - 15/2
Kings XI Punjab - 31/4
Sit back and enjoy!
