And the first qualifier game is upon us as Chennai Super Kings lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Both teams were in great form in the league stages – with 18 points each from 14 games – but none of that matters now as winning this game puts them one step away from winning the IPL.

Chennai Super Kings

This is their backyard, so to speak. There hasn’t been a single season where the Super Kings took part and failed to reach the playoffs of the tournament. Despite that, they have only won the IPL title twice and the last one coming back in 2011.

As a result, Chennai’s focus was to win the tournament this season itself – which is something that reflects in the experience that could be found in the team. They are a force to be reckoned with deep batting and power-hitting. Their bowling might be a bit weak, but Lungi Ngidi’s form gives them a boost.

Sunrisers Hyderbad

What is going with the team that was supposed to have the best bowling attack in the tournament? While they did start well and defended totals like 118 and 132, their bowling has gone cold over the last three games.

Their batting, meanwhile, have looked better as the tournament progressed but their true strength lies in their bowling. Shakib Al Hasan and Rashid Khan will have a lot to do in order to pull back the Super Kings, who won both their league encounters against Kane Williamson and co.

Prediction