The penultimate match of the IPL regular season sees Kings XI Punjab host Chennai Super Kings in Match 55 on Sunday.
Kings XI Punjab
Kings XI were at home to KKR on Friday. Both sides needed a win to stay in contention for a play off place and it was KKR who came home by 7 wickets. KXP posted 183/6 batting first with Sam Curran top scoring with 55 not out. KKR wasted no time in setting about the chase. Lynn (46) and Gill (65) had them in complete command and they got up with a full 2 overs to spare.
Defeat means KXP have only pride to play for now. They have lost 6 of their last 7 outings and have 5 wins and 8 defeats against their name. They have generally been stronger in Mohali winning 4 of their 6 matches so far.
Chennai Super Kings
The Super Kings have been assured of their play off spot for some time and depending on how Delhi Capitals get on in their clash with the Royals in Delhi on Saturday, CSK could be assured of a top 2 finish regardless of how they get on here. If CSK lose here they could also be collared by Mumbai who are in action later on Sunday.
CSK beat Delhi by 80 runs in their most recent outing, a top of the table clash in Chennai on Wednesday. CSK posted 179/4 batting first with Raina (59) and MS Dhoni (44 not out) the top scorers. Imran Tahir returned figures of 4/12 in his 3.2 overs as the Capitals capitulated, bowled out for 99.
The Super Kings overall record comprises of 9 wins and 4 defeats although away from home they have been less dominant with a record of 3 wins and 3 defeats. .
Head to Head
Matches 21, CSK wins 13, KXP wins 7, 1 tie (Kings XI won the Super Over)
The first meeting this season came back in Match 18 in Chennai and the Super Kings came out on top by 22 runs. Batting first CSK posted 160/3 with Faf du Plessis top scoring with 54 and MS Dhoni was not out 37 at the death. It was a strange reply from KXP with Lokesh Rahul making 55 and Sarfaraz Khan 67 but no other batsmen made more than 5 runs and their innings closed on 138/5 (Harbhajan 2/17).
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Match Result
Kings XI Punjab 21/20
Chennai Super Kings 15/20
Note: Prices correct at the time of posting but are subject to change
Betting Angle
Depending on how other results go this could be a dead rubber but if CSK do end up needing a win to seal a top 2 finish they will fancy their chances against a side whose form has collapsed in the second half of the tournament. However entertainment will be the name of the game for KXP who will want to sign off with a good show and the CSK spinners might not be as effective on this wicket as they are in Chennai.
A chance is taken on KXP to put on a show and win.
Bet: Kings XI to win at 21/20
