Stage is set for a virtual knockout as a rampaging Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by inspirational skipper Virat Kohli, lock horns with an inconsistent Delhi Daredevils in their final IPl match, here on Sunday.
After 13 matches, RCB are at the third spot with 14 points, while Delhi have as many points but are placed sixth in the table, lagging behind RCB only in net run-rate.
In fact, two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians too have 14 points each with just one match to go in their league stage.
With a hattrick of wins, Bangalore have been on a roll with skipper Kohli enjoying one of the best phases of his career as he has four centuries under his belt. He is the only batsman to score more than 800 runs in a single edition and has 865 runs from 13 matches thus far.
Despite sustaining a split webbing in his left hand while fielding against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kohli has shown no signs of relenting.
His teammates AB de villiers and Chris Gayle also dished out some sizzling batting display as RCB's much vaunted batting line-up gave nightmares to their opposition by rattling up three of the four 200-plus totals this season.
In bowling department, spin-pace duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Shane Watson have served Bangalore well with 16 wickets each so far in the season.
On the other hand, Delhi, after back-to-back losses, notched up a last-ball six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday to keep their Play-off hopes alive.
Delhi's batting has revolved much around Quinton de Kock, who has been the most consistent batsman for them. Karun Nair and Sanju Samson too have contributed and team's fortunes would depend on them.
In bowling, Delhi have depended on leg-spinner Amit Mishra and seamer Chris Morris to get the breakthroughs.
Must-win for KKR
Kolkata: Facing early elimination, two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders need to record a win to stay afloat when they take on table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPl match on Sunday.
From being atop the table midway into the season, KKR had slipped out after losing the last two league matches in 2015.
Such has been the competition in the ninth season that no team sealed a play-off berth till the final weekend of the league and five teams can end up with 16 points when the net run-rate will determine the final-four.
Conditions will also be a key factor with the Roanu cyclone causing rainfall in the last two days forcing the entire Eden Gardens ground to be under covers. Both the teams would be watchful of the conditions, even though a clear sky is being forecast for the match.