The IPL log has bunched up once again as the top sides falter, and fight is shown by the basement boys. This weekend could be game-changing for the IPL with some potential swings of momentum.
Friday 28 April
Punjab Kings87/100 | Lucknow Super Giants 10/11
Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants will be out to join a trio of teams with five wins to their name in the IPL.
Lucknow have only won once in their last three matches and there have been questions about how they have used their squad.
LSG’s batting hasn’t fired with Marcus Stoinis failing at his finisher role while Quinton de Kock has gone largely unused.
Punjab Kings bat deep and have seen Sam Curran come through in the clinch in recent performances.
Verdict: Punjab Kings
Saturday 29 April
Kolkata Knight Riders 11/10 | Gujarat Titans 10/11
KKR aren’t quite in must win territory but might feel that this match could be a pivotal one for their campaign.
Gujarat Titans meanwhile are the form team of the tournament having lost just twice and winning two on the bounce.
Hardik Pandya has proven to be an instinctive skipper with a great gut feel for the game and that makes the Titans big favourites.
KKR are a side that can disrupt the flow of any game or side though and this should be ba thriller.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans
Delhi Capitals 77/100 | Sunrisers Hyderabad 1/1
Delhi Capitals have turned things around somewhat after a nightmare start but they need to keep up the winning habit.
They face fellow strugglers the Sunrisers in a match that will split the bottom two teams.
This is a rerun of the matchup on Monday which the Capitals won off the back of a brilliant allround display from Axar Patel.
The Sunrisers need to figure out their best combinations if they are to move up the ladder.
Verdict: Delhi Capitals
Sunday 30 April
Chennai Super Kings 7/10 | Punjab Kings 23/20
CSK lost some of their momentum when they ran into the Rajasthan Royals last time out.
However, they are an experienced group loaded with match-winners.
The Punjab Kings will be back in action again on Sunday and might feel that the contests coming thick and fast presents an opportunity to them,to put up some scoreboard pressure.
CSK have good combinations, although their top order isn’t the best at attacking spin.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings
Mumbai Indians 1/1 | Rajasthan Royals 4/5
Mumbai Indians have the task of the weekend when they face the star-studded Royals.
MI come into the match off the back of a loss in their last outing and languishing in mid-table.
The Royals haven’t always fired on all cylinders but they should enjoy the conditions at the Wankhede Stadium.
Jos Buttler has been well backed up by the rest of the Royals top order so far this campaign.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals
