IPL heating up ahead of play-offs

By Lithira Ekanayaka 

After a month of cricketing action, the world’s biggest and loudest franchise tournament, the Indian Premier League, has entered its business end with teams battling for playoff spots. 

With more than six teams still in contention, the upcoming matches promise highly competitive and closely fought encounters.

Currently, Punjab Kings lead the table with 13 points, having won six out of their nine matches. Closely following them are the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, with 12 points from six wins in nine matches. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals occupy the third and fourth positions respectively, both with 12 points, having secured six wins from ten matches. Gujarat Titans, despite also winning six out of ten matches, are placed fifth due to their lower net run rate.

Chennai Super Kings are currently in sixth position with 10 points, having won five out of ten matches. After losing four of their last five games, Delhi Capitals have slipped to seventh, with only four wins from ten matches so far. Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants currently occupy the bottom three spots. 

Kolkata have managed just three wins from nine matches (7 points), while Mumbai have won only three out of ten matches (6 points). Lucknow, having lost their last five matches, sit at the bottom with just two wins from nine games (4 points). Sri Lankan fans will continue to root for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, as both sides feature a pair of Sri Lankan players. With Eshan Malinga delivering clinical fast-bowling performances for SRH alongside all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, fans will be eager to see them make a strong impact in the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, are in a precarious position and will need to win almost every remaining match to secure a playoff spot. Sri Lankan fans will also look forward to strong performances from Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera in the ensuing games. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who joined Rajasthan Royals as an injury replacement for Sam Curran, has featured in only one game so far.