With only three playoff berths left to claim, we are about to witness two thrilling encounters as the Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 18, and the Rajasthan Royals lock horns with Punjab Kings on the next day. Here, we shall look at how these teams collide, and what might be the outcome.
May 18: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Highest run-getter Prediction: Faf du Plessis
Highest wicket-taker Prediction: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Winner Prediction: RCB
The Sunrisers Hyderabad are already out of playoffs, but they do have pride to play for. They were one of the pre-tournament favourites to win the trophy, considering the team they had assembled. But here they are lurking right at the bottom of the table. They still have two matches to go, and they will be eager to bow out on a high.
RCB, on the other hand, have everything to play for in this match. They are sitting in fifth place with 12 points, and they need to win both of the remaining games to assure themselves of a playoff berth. Their batting trio of Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell have been in excellent form, but it has really been their middle and lower-order that failed to step up.
It will be very important for RCB to get a decent contribution from the middle-order in this game. Their bowling has blown hot and cold, but they need to bring their A-game here. However, RCB have momentum on their side, having won their last match. They have been much better as a side than SRH throughout the season. Even though this is an away game for RCB, they will start as favourites.
May 19: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
Highest run-getter Prediction: Jos Buttler
Highest wicket-taker Prediction: Trent Boult
Winner Prediction: Rajasthan Royals
This is a must-win fight for both sides. Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have 12 points each, but the Royals are sitting two places ahead at sixth owing to a better run-rate. So either side will have to win this match by a good margin, and then hope that other results go in their favour to make it to the playoffs.
As far as their performances throughout this season go, it has been a mixed bag for both of them. The Royals made a good start, but lost their form in the middle to come to this position. Although their batting has fired in most matches, it's their death bowling that has really hurt the Royals. Punjab, on the other hand, have struggled with their bowling in the powerplay and middle-overs. Batters have done quite well in comparison. So, this will be a battle between the batting might of the two sides; both teams will be looking to outbat each other. The Royals enjoy more experience and quality on their side; that's why they will start as slight favourites to win.