DC vs CSK play-off qualification scenarios: Do or die game for MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings at Kotla
With 15 points, MS Dhoni-led CSK must win to be sure of qualification. Defeat would see them eliminated if Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore win their matches, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) merely edge ahead on run-rate. Win and only LSG can keep CSK out of the top-two, meaning two cracks at reaching the final. CSK have a better net run rate of +0.381 than LSG’s +0.304, who are also on 15 points.
Meanwhile, for David Warner’s DC, the only target here is avoiding bottom place. However CSK should take nothing for granted after Tuesday’s formbook smashing result. Despite being eliminated with dismal batting numbers, they hit far their best score of the season to end Punjab’s hopes.
Kings take to the Dilli Darbaar today!👑#DCvCSK #WhlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/H6ADs1TGSo
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 20, 2023
Come Saturday, David Warner and Co. would like to play the proverbial party-poopers once again ending their IPL season with a win at home.
DC vs CSK: Head-to-head
DC and CSK have played against each other 27 times in the IPL and DC have won 10 out of them. So, CSK have an upper hand with 17 wins and would be looking to get another win under the belt.
DC vs CSK form guide
DC (W, L, L, W, W)
After a miserable first half, where they lost five games on the trot, the Capitals did manage to pick up some momentum, winning five out of their next eight games but it came too late in the competition.They are out of the reckoning but head into the contest on the back of their first 200 plus scores and a morale boosting 15-run win over Punjab Kings, all but ending their chances of qualification. In their last five outings, they have won three games.
CSK (L, W, W, NR, L)
CSK could have been the first team to reach the playoffs but Kolkata Knight Riders had other ideas at Chepauk.At the moment, CSK are on second on the points table with 15 points from 13 games. But a loss against DC along with a string of unfavourable results could see the four-time champions miss out on the last leg of IPL action. In their last five games, CSK have won two, lost two and one game was washed out.
