We have a Tuesday double-header this week as the BCCI race to complete the IPL before the T20 World Cup.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals | 27 September 2021 | Dubai International Stadium | 16:00
To Win Match
Sunrisrers 23/20
Tie 25/1
Royals 72/100
With just five matches remaining in their campaign, including this one, the Sunrisers hopes of making the playoffs are fading fast.
They must win their match against the Rajasthan Royals to retain a mathematical shot at making the last four.
Rajasthan are second from bottom but come into the contest fully six points to the good, achieving four wins in nine matches as opposed to the one in nine record of the Orange Army.
Skipper Sanju Samson is the Royals’ dangerman and probably one of the most in-form batsmen in the tournament.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 72/100
The Sunrisers have been dire this term and should be put to the sword by the Royals.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals | 28 September 2021 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 12:00
To Win Match
Knight Riders 5/4
Tie 25/1
Capitals 67/100
Something has to give in this clash of high-flying outfits in what will be a battle between a high-scoring team and one that relies on its bowling unit to a greater degree.
The Capitals fancy themselves to defend most targets, with the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje leading their attack alongside spin wizards Axar Patel and Ravi Ashwin.
KKR have a loaded top six crammed with Indian talents like Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana as well as international stars in Eoin Morgan and Andre Russell.
The Knight Riders could be left to ponder what might have been with a couple of close defeats keeping them from locking onto a playoff place.
Verdict: Delhi Capitals 67/100
The Capitals are tipped to come good here at 67/100.
Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings | 28 September 2021 | Zayed Cricket Stadium | 16:00
To Win Match
Indians 67/100
Tie 25/1
Kings 5/4
The Punjab Kings made heavy weather of snapping a losing streak last time out but will be hard-pressed to make winning a habit.
Both sides are still in the hunt for the playoffs, but Mumbai would be the team most would back to rise out of the mid-table log jam.
Mumbai have massive impact players in their team and could turn it on at any moment. If they get into the last four, their title temperament should come to the fore.
This is a match between two teams close together on the log making it a four-pointer for these sides who are involved in a playoff dogfight.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians 67/100
The Indians are heavy favourites for good reason.
