The round-robin stage of the IPL reaches its climax this week with just one place in the playoffs still up for grabs. James Richardson previews matches 50-52.
Three teams have booked a place in the knockout stages already while a further four sides are in the hunt for that final place.
Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings | 4 October | Dubai International Stadium | 16:00
To Win Match
Capitals 21/20
Tie 25/1
Super Kings 82/100
The Capitals and Chennai Super Kings are already through to the playoffs, but this arm-wrestle for supremacy could set the tone for a future meeting.
Furthermore, the team that comes out on top will almost certainly get the luxury of a top-two finish which affords two shots at making the final. The top two meet in the first Qualifier with the winner advancing to the final and the loser going into the second qualifier against the winner of an eliminator match between third and fourth.
The Super Kings need to pick themselves up after a loss last time out. They cannot allow complacency to set it at this stage of the competition.
Delhi have built their success on a brilliant bowling unit, and their success might well rub off onto the Proteas with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in their ranks.
Verdict: Delhi Capitals 21/20
The Capitals – with their stacked bowling attack – are tipped to leapfrog the Super Kings into first place here.
Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | 5 October | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 16:00
To Win Match
Royals 5/4
Tie 25/1
Indians 62/100
The Royals and Mumbai Indians face a make or break match in their quest to haul in the Kolkata Knight Riders, who begin the week holding fourth.
A win would establish either side as the strongest contenders to KKR’s claim to the final playoff spot, moving the victor to level on points with the Knight Riders.
The Royals will face KKR in the final round but would prefer a scenario where victory in that match would guarantee them the final playoff spot.
Mumbai Indians have been disappointing by the team’s high standards but could still rescue their campaign.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians 62/100
Neither side has looked particularly good of late, with each boasting just one win in their last four matches. The smart money is on the Indians, although caution is advised here.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | 6 October | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium | 16:00
To Win Match
Royal Challengers 52/100
Tie 25/1
Sunrisers 31/20
The Royal Challengers have an opportunity to keep themselves in the hunt for the top two with victory over the bottom of the table Sunrisers.
RCB scraped past the Punjab Kings on Sunday to secure a place in the playoffs and having won their last three matches are the team with the longest current winning streak in the IPL.
The Sunrisers have won just twice in 12 matches but possess a dangerous squad that could pose problems for RCB.
RCB will have their championship mettle tested as they are the side heading into this match under pressure to get a result.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bangalore 52/100
RCB have all of the momentum here and will continue their charge toward a top two finish.
