IPL 2018: 5 Best remaining Matchups
Two weeks are left in the regular season of IPL 2018, and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings are standing at the top of the points table comfortably. These two teams have almost secured their place in the playoffs already, even with two more weeks of games left.
The third team, Kings XI Punjab, aren’t too far away with 12 points. Kolkata Knight Riders are currently at number 4 with 10 points. Thanks to Mumbai Indians' upset win over Kolkata Knight Riders, they are still in the playoff race.
Even though the bottom three teams are not mathematically eliminated yet, they have a steep climb to enter the Top 4. All these teams are tied with 6 points each and are separated by net run rate. These teams will try to play spoilsport for the teams that are in the playoff race.
As we enter the back-end of the regular season of IPL 2018, the games start to get more interesting. Teams will start to try and improve their net run rates to get ahead of the teams they are tied to.
This season, the net run rate could play a major factor in deciding who could end up at the top of the table. There are quite a few games remaining in the schedule that could have a greater impact on the points table. Let’s have a look at the top 5 matchups remaining in the IPL 2018.
#5 Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab - May 20, Sunday 8 pm IST
This is the final game of the regular season for IPL 2018. This game could decide which team ends at the top of the points table. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings are both tied on 12 points but SRH are on the top thanks to their superior NRR.
The first time these two faced this year in Mohali, the game went down to the wire. They played all 40 overs and Punjab just escaped with the win by just 4 runs. Dhoni's heroic 79 off just 44 balls wasn't enough, thanks to some tight bowling by Mohit Sharma in the last over of the game.
The Chennai Super Kings will likely be eyeing the top spot. Kings XI Punjab could also be in the mix at this point to enter the Top 2. They are just one game behind CSK and SRH at this point of the regular season.