IPL 2019, KXIP vs CSK, MI vs KKR Playing 11 LIVE: CSK players Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja during a training session ahead of their match against KXIP. (PTI Photo)IPL 2019, KXIP vs CSK, MI vs KKR Team Predicted Playing 11 for Today Match LIVE Updates: After being knocked out of the play-off race, Kings XI Punjab will play for pride when they host defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the first match on Sunday. MS Dhoni-led CSK have so far been the most formidable side in the ongoing edition and will look to enter the playoffs scenario by securing big win in their final league match. After crushing Delhi Capitals in a one-sided affair in their previous encounter, the Chennai unit are placed at the pole position in the points table with 18 points in 13 matches. The match will start at 04.00 pm.
The second tie of the day will be crucial as a win at the Wankhede Stadium tonight will ensure Kolkata Knight Riders a play-off berth. However, dismantling a powerful Mumbai Indians unit at their own backyard will be an uphill task but KKR’s Andre Russell has been ruthless in many occasions this season and today the franchise will count on their most lethal weapon. The match will start at 08.00 pm.
Is KXIP Dhoni's favourite opponent?
MS Dhoni has scored more half-centuries against KXIP than against any other team and averages 58.50 against them, which is his highest average against any team. He also has a strike-rate of 158.11 against them, which is also his highest against any team. The veteran wicket-keeper batsman has been involved in 21 dismissals against KXIP, which is the most he has against any team.
MSD's supreme run in IPL 2019
MS Dhoni has consistently churned out runs this season and is CSK’s man-in-form, while Suresh Raina has chipped in with useful scores every now and then. The CSK captain has scored in excess of 350 runs this season at a strike-rate of 142.63 and his performance has masked the failures of the batsmen who have batted before him.
CSK's woes ahead of the playoffs
Despite their successful campaign so far, there is a glaring shortcoming in the Chennai Super Kings line-up and that is their average opening partnership this season is 19.80, and their openers have managed to post a partnership of 50 or more only once in 13 matches. Heading to the playoffs, CSK will want their openers, Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson, to put on a much-improved performance.
Riyan Parag scripts history in debut season
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Riyan Parag etched his name in the history books as he became the youngest cricketer to score a half-century in IPL. [READ MORE]
What happened yesterday
On the penultimate day of the group stages of Indian Premier League 2019, the spinners came out on top once again. In the first encounter of the day between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, it was Amit Mishra for the hosts who shined, while Ish Sodhi took the plaudits for the visitors. In the second encounter of the day between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Washington Sundar spun the web with the ball on SRH batsmen. [READ MORE]
Stephen Fleming says CSK firmly fixed on winning
It depends what happens today. So try to see facts. If results (of the match between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals) go our way today, then we can have a look at some options. But right now we are firmly fixed on winning tomorrow’s game and playing well. You don’t want to over-complicate things, we have been in this position a number of times. We are very focussed on how we can win tomorrow: CSK coach Stephen Fleming ahead of their clash against KXIP. [READ MORE]
KXIP vs CSK: Chennai look to maintain pole position, KXIP to play for pride
Already assured of a playoff berth, table toppers Chennai Super Kings will aim to maintain their pole position with a victory over a struggling Kings XI Punjab in their last IPL group league encounter on Sunday. [PREVIEW]
Hello and Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the LIVE COVERAGE of the Indian Premier League. The first match of the day will be played between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings. Chennai, who stand at the top of the points table, have already made it to the next round and will hope for a big win ahead of their play-off battle. KXIP, on the other hand, will play for pride as they too have nothing to lose.
The second match of the day will be crucial as the results will clearly affect two teams in their bid to secure a play-off berth. A win will automatically cancel out Sunrisers Hyderabad play-off spot but if Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders the net run-rate factor will come into play. Enjoy a hot summer Sunday and stay tuned for LIVE UPDATES related to IPL and other important cricketing events.