The Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals have already booked their place in the 2019 IPL play-offs, while the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians are favoured to join them.
The final weekend of the regular season will confirm the four participants in the knockout phase, with log position still quite important.
The top two teams on the log are afforded an extra shot at making it to the final, which will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Friday 3 May
IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali (16:30)
Kings XI Punjab 62/100
Tie 35/1
Kolkata Knight Riders 13/10
After promising starts, both these sides have fallen away from the challenge in dramatic fashion – and will require other results to go their way if they are to progress.
The Kolkata Knight Riders enter the match in slightly better shape, though, after they recorded a big win over the Mumbai Indians last weekend.
Promoting Andre Russell to number three in the batting order proved an inspired move from KKR – and they may be tempted to persist with the West Indian blaster in that role.
The Kings XI look to be going down with a whimper an all-too-familiar occurrence for the also-ran franchise.
When the sides met earlier in the competition, KKR ran out winners by 28 runs with their top order firing, while Mayank Agarwal and David Miller half-centuries were not enough for the Kings XI.
Verdict: KKR to stay in the hunt for a play-off spot.
Saturday 4 May
Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi (12:30)
Delhi Capitals 57/100
Tie 35/1
Rajasthan Royals 14/10
The Rajasthan Royals might have watched their hopes of a play-off place all but disappear when their contest with RCB was washed out this week, but if things go their way they may yet sneak in.
They will have to beat a very good Delhi Capitals side, who have assumed the mantle of best bowling attack in the competition.
The Capitals are currently sitting pretty in second position – and will confirm their spot in the qualifier if they can see off the Royals.
The Royals were unable to make much use of Ben Stokes before he returned to England, but countryman Jos Buttler was the star of the show before he left to join up with the national team squad.
The Capitals’ Kagiso Rabada leads the race for the leading wicket-takers purple cap from countryman Imran Tahir.
Verdict: The Capitals should have the ability to put away the Royals.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (16:30)
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Tie
Sunrisers Hyderabad
After a poor start, the Royal Challengers Bangalore found their winning formula a little too late, but they can still have a say on who makes it into the top four.
The Sunrisers have lost the services of the devastating opening pair who were at the heart of many of their successes this campaign. Australia opener David Warner signed off with a near ton and may still end as the tournaments top run-scorer, while Jonny Bairstow left earlier to join up with England’s squad.
The fearsome form of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers has not been enough for RCB to challenge for a play-off spot but should trouble the Sunrisers attack who need to help their team pick up an important win.
There have been signs of the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch of old returning this season, but it has yet to really play consistently well.
The last time these sides met, the Sunrisers thrashed RCB by 118 runs, which should serve as motivation for Kohli’s men to earn some revenge.
Verdict: RCB to play spoiler.
Sunday 5 May
IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali (12:30)
Kings XI Punjab
Tie
Chennai Super Kings
CSK appear to have had one hand on the trophy since the tournament got underway, but they cannot afford to get cocky with the end in sight.
The Super Kings have that champion quality about them – and it always seems as though they have somebody who can turn a game on its head.
If the Kings XI are able to get a win against KKR, they could still have something to play for come Sunday.
Lokesh Rahul has starred for the Kings XI, but he hasn’t been afforded the support he needs to get his team up to a standard, where they could be challenging the top sides.
The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 22-run win for CSK in Chennai.
Verdict: Has to be CSK.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (16:30)
Mumbai Indians
Tie
Kolkata Knight Riders
The Mumbai Indians haven’t quite clicked this season, but they remain a dangerous side in the competition and should make it to the play-offs.
The Indians have received a surprise boost from the bowling of spinner Anukul Roy, while Jasprit Bumrah has also led by example.
The Knight Riders’ success or failure hinges on their batting really getting into the groove – something they haven’t achieved too often.
The Wankhede will be buzzing on Sunday – and hoping to cheer their Mumbai Indians into the IPL play-offs.
When these sides met at Eden Gardens last Sunday, it was KKR who rode off into the sunset with a 34-run victory batting first.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians to seal their play-off spot.
Written by @JonhenryWilson
