It is do or die time for the Kings XI Punjab as they play the placed-in-second Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2017 Match 49.
This game in Mohali – KXIP's last home game of IPL 2017 – is a must-win. With 10 points from 11 matches, Kings XI Punjab need to win every single one of their remaining three matches to stand any chance of finishing in the top four and with it qualifying for the playoffs.
As it sits, the Sunrisers Hyderabad are five points ahead of KXIP in the IPL 2017 points table, who do have two games in hand. However, those games in hand will mean nothing, if they don't beat KKR on Tuesday.
It is pretty simple really – if KKR win this match at Mohali, the top four will be done and dusted with seven matches still to play in the league phase of IPL 2017.
However, if KXIP manage to top KKR, the interest levels for a playoff place will remain.
So, for the neutrals and all Kings XI fans, a win from Glenn Maxwell and co. is what is required, if the last seven matches are not to become a little academic, at least until SRH play their last game. Because if the Sunrisers Hyderabad win that one, it won't matter what KXIP do with their remaining matches.
Having won two games in a row, both in impressive fashion, Kings XI's momentum came to a halt on Sunday, when the Gujarat Lions chased down a score of 189 to hand the home side a frustrating loss in Mohali.
What that loss did do, though, is make the scenario really straightforward – win, win and win being the only way KXIP are making it to the playoffs.
While everything looks hunky dory for KKR, this match is a crucial one for them in their bid to finish in the top two.
Due to the fact that the third and fourth-placed teams are in a do-or-die situation from match one, it becomes really important to finish in the top two, because those two teams get is one more opportunity at making the final, and that is something that cannot be taken lightly.
So, in order to move away from RPS in the table – the two teams are currently locked at 16 points, having played 12 matches each – KKR need a win over KXIP.
Play like they did against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and that win could very well be theirs.
When and where to watch live
Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders is set to begin at 8pm IST (3.30pm BST). TV and live streaming information is below.
India: TV: Sony Six, Sony Six HD (English), Sony Max (Hindi), Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali). Live Streaming: Hotstar.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 2. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport Two. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
