For a while, the tweeple were in a tizzy when it became clear that Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians is out of the competition. The five-time IPL winner is out of the contention for IPL 2021 and so are three other teams, obviously. While MI had the same number of points as the Kolkata Knight Riders they were edged out because of a lower net run rate and because of something SRH did. So it’s Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and KKR reaching the playoff stage.
When a team’s fate hangs in the balance, the performance of other teams becomes vitally important. MI had a very slim chance of making it to the playoffs is they managed to defeat Sun Risers Hyderabad with a big enough margin.
…For KKR. SRH were already at the bottom, with zero hope and nothing to lose.
MI made a massive score of 235, but had to get the SRH batsmen out for fewer than 65 runs to qualify.
As soon as they passed the magic number, KKR fans were in celebration mode.
Because whether MI wins or loses, somehow, Mukesh Ambani is always responsible.
RCB won the toss and bowled. DC made 164 for 5 with Prithvi Shaw (48 off 31) top-scoring for his team and Shikhar Dhawan making 43 off 35.
After skipper Virat Kohli made just 4 off 8 and the other opener Devdutt Padikkal was out for a duck, it was Srikar Bharat to the rescue. He made 78 off 52 and was named man of the match.
It was a close match with RCB scoring the winning runs off the last ball of the match.
Winning the toss skipper MS Dhoni decided to bowl first. DC made 172 for 5. Opener Prithvi Shaw made 60 off 34.
Why opener Faf du Plessis got out cheaply, Ruturaj Gaikwad made 70 off 50
Robin Uthappa made 63 off 44.
…Aplenty!
With 18* off 6 balls including three boundaries and a six, Dhoni helped his team cross the finishing line with 4 wickets and just two balls to spare.
…Were in I-told-you so mode. With this, CSK reaches the finals which will be played on Friday, 15 October. The second playoff is today between RCB and KKR and DC will take on the winner of that match on 13th October, Wednesday.
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