The round-robin phase of the IPL wraps up this weekend and just one spot in the last four is still up for grabs. James Richardson previews matches 68-70.
That final spot will be settled on Saturday in a match that becomes a virtual knockout. Sunday’s doubleheader will determine which teams end up in the top two.
Saturday 18 May
Royal Challengers 82/100 | Tie 25/1 | Super Kings 21/20 (16:00)
RCB have one last shot at sneaking into the play-offs but they need a big win over CSK to do so.
RCB could still achieve a sixth straight win and miss out on the play-offs if they cannot haul in the NRR of CSK.
CSK would like to head into the playoffs with a win but can sneak in if they lose and stay ahead of RCB in terms of run rate.
RCB are the form side right now but the pressure situation could be telling in this contest.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bengaluru 82/100
The Royal Challengers are red-hot at the moment and should win here provided the weather plays ball. Whether they’ll overhaul CSK on NRR is a different story altogether.
Sunday 19 May
Sunrisers 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | Kings 31/20 (12:00)
The Sunrisers Hyderabad have a chance to put pressure on the Royals and sneak into the first qualifier with a good result.
After a washout in their last match, SRH’s place in the play-offs was secured but they will want to snatch second from the Royals.
The Punjab Kings have already been eliminated from the running for the play-off spots.
SRH also need to regain some momentum after their campaign faltered in recent weeks so this match should be significant.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad 52/100
The Sunrisers have it all to play for and should come away with the win here.
Royals 21/20 | Tie 25/1 | Knight Riders 81/100 (16:00)
Kolkata Knight Riders are assured of being in the first qualifier but won’t want to give up anything to a Royals team they might face in that match.
The Royals will know before the match starts whether they need to get a result to clinch second place on the IPL table.
The teams in the top two get two bites at the cherry when it comes to making the IPL grand final.
This match is likely to be repeated in the play-offs whatever happens and neither side will want to give an inch.
Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders 81/100
The fact that the Knight Riders can be had at around 8/10 when you consider the recent form of these teams is absurd. Get on!
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