KKR set sights on top four, Sunrisers eye top-two finish

Kolkata Knight Riders' flop show on a green track at Green Park has hurt their chances of a top-two finish, reports the ESPNCricinfo.

 

Nonetheless, they will make the playoffs if they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have qualified along with Gujarat Lions, on Sunday.

 

Knight Riders could sneak in with the 14 points they currently have, but the odds of that happening are steep considering they would be caught in a three-way tie with Mumbai Indians and the loser of the Royal Challengers Bangalore-Delhi Daredevils game.

 

Also, heavy rain has been forecast in Kolkata because of cyclone Roanu. Rain has not been kind to Knight Riders in the past, but this time a washout would guarantee them a spot in the final four.

 

Knight Riders have had to contend with injury issues as well. Allrounder Andre Russell's leg injury has punched a big hole in all departments and doubts persist over his participation in Sunday's key clash. On the bright side, fast bowler Umesh Yadav who missed the side's last three games because of a hamstring injury is available for selection again.

 

Sunrisers have a chance to secure a top-two finish and therefore two shots at a place in the IPL final, despite their last-ball loss to Delhi Daredevils. They simply need to beat the hosts at Eden Gardens. If they don't, they would hope Royal Challengers lose the final league game, and Sunday's results are such that their net run-rate stays above Daredevils and Knight Riders'.