" Third Man" - by Kannan
It can't get closer than this, mumbai with 9 wins at the top of the table already into the play off, csk with 5 wins at the bottom ruled out of the play off race, nothing to seperate rest of the 6 teams with 6 or 7 wins each fighting for 3 spots...
The favourites Delhi can still miss the play off, while Punjab, Rajasthan, SRH who were having a poor run suddenly found momentum at the later stages, next 3 days are going to be nervy for the 6 teams with eye on NRR and close look at result of the other matches to go in their favour.
With the IPL 2020 reaching the business end, next 3 days are going to be exciting for the fans and tension filled times for the franchises - The three days that matters after the ups and the downs over 2 and half month long marathon tournament. let's have a quick look at the upcoming league matches starting Sunday, 1st November - 4 crucial matches to go for the teams to grab 3 spots in the play off, with Mumbai already qualified and CSK eliminated ( we don't associate this word to CSK in the IPL history, isn't it?)
Csk vs Punjab ( match 53)
This is going to be a do or die game for punjab (6 wins till now) Where a loss will see them taking the flight back home along with csk, a win will keep them in contention to the play off. While am writing this, kings have started with a bang and Mayank opening will keep the scoreboard ticking as well. If Gayle storm, classy KL and the match winner Mayank finds their range, surely a win on the cards. As a csk fan, would love to see the yellow army go out on a High with a win.
KKR vs RR (Match 54)
The contest between KKR and RR is a straight forward one as the loser exits the tournament and the winner to keep an eye on the calculator and the results from other matches.
RR has the upper hand though with back to back wins primarily through their Talisman Stokes resurgence with the bat and rest of the batting unit firing at the right time after the inconsistent show during the early stages. KKR has been losing more than winning after Morgan took over the reigns mid-way, and the batting unit failing to click is a cause of concern with their goto man Russel nowhere in the scheme of things to show his muscle power.
RCB vs Delhi ( Match. 55)
The contest between the "Bangalore"ian Kohli against his "home" team is unlikely to affect their spot in the Top 4 as both the teams are already sitting with 7 wins and the winner will seal the play off berth. Both the teams are down in confidence after going into a losing streak having started the tournament on a high. The losing team will pray for Mumbai to beat SRH to stay alive for the Play off spot.
RCB's dependency on ABD continues while the skipper Kohli has to play a key knock with remarkable strike rate to carry them home. Delhi, on the other hand is struggling both with bat and ball through 4 consecutive losses - The form of Prithvi, Dhawan blewing hot and cold, Shreyas and Pant not firing is a real worry, not to forget the bowling unit which is losing out of steam of late.
SRH vs MI ( Match 56)
SRH were no where in the picture and the blinder from Saha followed by the thumping win over Delhi Capitals has done wonders to their belief and the NRR as well.
David Warner is always the man to watch out for while the addition of Kane has provided solidity to the top order, and if magician Rashid has a good day, SRH will fancy beating Mumbai Indians. IF SRH loses to Mumbai, they will also catch the same flight booked for the super kings back home.
" Fasten your seat belts on, don't switch off your television sets as the race to the play off is on " Let the best 4 teams March on, Game on for true cricket lovers.
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