The IPL play-offs' scenario is finally clear after a month and a half of non-stop cricketing action. The Kolkata Knight Riders, who were the only team from the original 8 to never have made it past the league stage in the IPL, have finally broken the jinx. The Shahrukh Khan owned outfit was however still left to rue their luck at the missed chance of finishing in the Top-2.
With 21 runs to get in the last over, Mumbai Indians looked set to lose to Kolkata on Sunday and finish 4th in the IPL table, enabling KKR to clinch the 2nd spot ahead of Chennai Super Kings. That was until Mumbai batsman Ambati Rayudu hit a six off the final ball by pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji with the team needing four to win. James Franklin had hit the first four deliveries of the over for consecutive boundaries to set up the close finish.
Mumbai's win set up a repeat clash between the two teams in the eliminator that will eventually play a part in deciding the IPL finalist. Had Kolkata won the game and finished 2nd ahead of Chennai, they would have had 2 chances of making it to the finals of which they would have nedded to win only one. Kolkata would have first been up against top team Royal Challengers Bangalore and in case of a loss would have had another chance to enter the final by playing the winner of the match between Chennai and Mumbai. But, they now need to win both their play-off matches that is if they are not knocked out in the first one.
On the other hand, Mumbai needed to finish the chase off in 5.1 overs to make it to the top two, which was next to impossible. So the victory hasn't changed their scenario but they have agained a psychological edge over their play-off opponent.
However, the real gainers have been Chennai who finished 2nd above Mumbai due to a better run-rate. The MS Dhoni-led team now has the luxury of losing a game and still having a chance of making it to the finals.
Bangalore had already got a clear picture after beating Chennai on Sunday to top the IPL points table.
Bangalore play Chennai in the opening playoff match on Tuesday.
With 21 runs to get in the last over, Mumbai Indians looked set to lose to Kolkata on Sunday and finish 4th in the IPL table, enabling KKR to clinch the 2nd spot ahead of Chennai Super Kings. That was until Mumbai batsman Ambati Rayudu hit a six off the final ball by pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji with the team needing four to win. James Franklin had hit the first four deliveries of the over for consecutive boundaries to set up the close finish.
Mumbai's win set up a repeat clash between the two teams in the eliminator that will eventually play a part in deciding the IPL finalist. Had Kolkata won the game and finished 2nd ahead of Chennai, they would have had 2 chances of making it to the finals of which they would have nedded to win only one. Kolkata would have first been up against top team Royal Challengers Bangalore and in case of a loss would have had another chance to enter the final by playing the winner of the match between Chennai and Mumbai. But, they now need to win both their play-off matches that is if they are not knocked out in the first one.
On the other hand, Mumbai needed to finish the chase off in 5.1 overs to make it to the top two, which was next to impossible. So the victory hasn't changed their scenario but they have agained a psychological edge over their play-off opponent.
However, the real gainers have been Chennai who finished 2nd above Mumbai due to a better run-rate. The MS Dhoni-led team now has the luxury of losing a game and still having a chance of making it to the finals.
Bangalore had already got a clear picture after beating Chennai on Sunday to top the IPL points table.
Bangalore play Chennai in the opening playoff match on Tuesday.
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