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PREVIEW: 2021 IPL – Matches 53-56

The round-robin phase of the IPL concludes this week with double-headers on Thursday and Friday.

Shikhar Dhawan - India
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

The round-robin phase of the IPL concludes this week with double-headers on Thursday and Friday.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone
Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

The top three teams head into these matches with qualification for the knockout stages sealed but the race for the top two still open.


Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | 7 October | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 12:00

To Win Match

Super Kings 62/100 | Tie 25/1 | Kings 27/20

The Super Kings will set out their stall to finish in the top two in this match. CSK lost a top of the table clash to the Capitals last time out but could still claim a spot in the coveted top two.

 

CSK will be concerned about the lack of contributions from their established top order batsmen with youngsters being asked to do a lot for the team.

 

Punjab Kings would need a massive win to retain any hope of sneaking into the top four.

 

Having suffered a number of close defeats since the tournament restarted the Punjab Kings might be left to wonder what might have been ion IPL 2021.

Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 62/100

Back the Super Kings to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats.  

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | 7 October  | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 16:00

To Win Match

Knight Riders 57/100 | Tie 25/1 | Royals 29/20

The winner of this match is likely to hold fourth heading into the final day of the pool phase.

 

For KKR, victory virtually guarantees them a place in the playoffs but they will need to wait until after Mumbai Indians match against the Sunrisers on Friday to see that confirmed.

 

The Royals will need an awful lot of things to go right for them if they are to reach the last four of the competition.

 

KKR beat the Sunrisers last time out to put themselves in pole position to claim the fourth and final playoff spot.

Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders 57/100

The men in Purple are tipped to get the job done. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians | 8 October 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 12:00

To Win Match

Sunrisers 31/20 | Tie 25/1 | Indians 52/100

As mentioned earlier this match will allow the IPL to confirm the competitors who reach the top four.

 

The Sunrisers have been out of the ruinning for some time and threaten to finish the tournament on a whimper that could play into Mumbai’s hands.

 

If KKR beat the Royals, Mumbai will need to overhaul them on net run rate which would require some effort. However, if the Royals will, Mumbai will just need to get over the line.

 

Either way, Mumbai Indians will have the luxury of knowing exactly what they need to do to earn a top four spot.

Verdict: Mumbai Indians 52/100

Knowing exactly what they need to do, the Indians should get the job done. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals | 8 October | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00

To Win Match

Royal Challengers 82/100 | Tie 25/1 | Capitals 21/20

This match could well determine who finishes on top of the table with the Capitals holding top spot ahead of CSK and their opponents RCB.

 

The Capitals appear to be peaking at the right time and could be set to end the Capital city’s long wait for an IPL title if they keep it up.

 

At this stage of the competition retaining momentum is almost as important as getting the results and this match will set the tone for the playoffs to follow.

 

RCB are probably the most dangerous side in the IPL on their day but have struggled with executing under pressure at times.

Verdict: Delhi Capitals 21/20

The Capitals will want to hold on to top spot and represent really good value at a shade over even money.

 
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