One and a half month of daily cricketing action and we have finally reached the last round robin match of of IPL 2018. It has been one of the most exciting seasons of the Indian Premier League so far, with numerous last over finishes and a handful of last ball finishes as well, with the only exceptions being not having witnessed a hat-trick or a super over this year. It’s the final day and we still have important fixtures on this IPL Super Sunday.
In this game, Chennai Super Kings play Kings XI Punjab at MCA Stadium in Pune and a lot depends on the outcome of today’s first game between Mumbai and Delhi. If Mumbai end victorious in that game, it’s curtains for Punjab and this becomes more or less a dead rubber, while chances are still on if Delhi win. For Chennai, a top two place is at stake so they will want to win at all costs.
Teams
Like I have said all season so far, Chennai never end up losing two consecutive games and this has been proved through a decade of the Indian Premier League. They lost their last game to Delhi and will want to bounce back hard. They have a 10-7 head to head record against Punjab and the latter has lost 4 of their 5 games at this particular venue, so all signs are pointing towards a Chennai victory.
Kings XI won the reverse fixture at home, by 4 runs. IPL 2018 started brilliantly for them but they’ve lost steam in their last 4-5 games after dominating the first half of the season. Chris Gayle came in to prove a point and after huge knocks in his first three outings, he has lost intent a bit while this will be a big game for Yuvraj Singh as well, if he is picked. It’s been a poor season for him and it could be his last ever IPL match, so he will want to bow out on a high.
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Mujeeb Zadran and Andrew Tye have been outstanding with the ball in this season of the Indian Premier League. While Tye’s 4 overs will continue to be vital, Mujeeb missed the last game due to a wrist injury. He was scenes practicing with a strapped hand and the call on his fitness will be a last minute one. On the other hand, Mohit and Ashwin have dismissed the in-form Ambati Rayudu a total of 9 times, so that could be an interesting test for the batsman.
Overall
All signs are pointing towards a CSK win but Chennai will know that Punjab will be fighting hard to qualify to the playoffs. The opening pair of Rahul and Gayle will be an important one in this game. I’m expecting Chennai to win and try to top the table. Possible playing elevens for both teams:
