As we are nearing the end of league matches, we are only left with four group games in the 2021 edition of the VIVO IPL, and there are still a few hopes lingering around the table. The fight for the top two is still alive between the Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, with 18 and 20 points, respectively. On the other hand, the road to seal the final playoff spot is still log-jammed but will be cleared in the next few matches.

One of the matches deciding the fate of one of the teams is today, where Chennai Super Kings will take on Punjab Kings in the 53rd match of IPL 2021 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While CSK has already qualified for playoffs with nine wins in 13 matches, PBKS have a very slim chance for playoffs entry and depend on the results of other teams to go their way.

Also Read: MPL Play Pro league: Is It Safe Or Not?

Unfortunately, Punjab Kings is the side that has nothing to play for as they only have 10 points from 13 matches, whereas the qualified teams have 16 (RCB), 18(CSK), and 20 (DC) points. While Punjab was always in the lower order, Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, had a dominant aura for their first 11 matches. 

However, the CSK lost to Delhi Capitals in their last game by three wickets as CSKs top order could not stir up runs, and Ambati Rayudu hit crucial unbeaten 55 runs posting 136-5. After this win, Delhi capitals displaced Chennai Super Kings from the first position and grabbed an extra edge for the finals.

CSK also ended up losing to Rajasthan Royal in their last encounter, where they could not stop the finest chasers of all times through their bowling attacks. RR chased a score of 189 and posted 190 runs at the end of 2nd innings. 

To gain their position back in the table, CSK would hope that Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad fire at the top of the order and give the team the lead they always had before DC displaced them.

Talking about the Punjab Kings, they have not been able to bring up a good game in this season of IPL, and they are still far away from sealing the place in the playoffs. 

PBKS lost their previous game to Royal Challengers Bangalore, where they could not chase the score of 164/7 posted by RCB. The top order showcased an excellent game, and the openers, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal hit 25 and 40, respectively. Adding to the win was Glenn Maxwell, who smashed 57 runs quickfire along with AB de Villiers also hit 23 runs and took the team home, giving RCB another point to remain steady at the third position.

In the PBKS, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have been steady with their performances, but neither has been able to win the game single-handedly. With them leaving the field in the early hours of the match, the pressure always came down to the middle order, who couldn’t do much as well.

Nicholas Pooran couldn’t bring his recent CPL form to the IPL, and the whole burden fell on Aiden Markram and Shahrukh Khan, who are relatively new to the IPL. 

Bowling-wise, Arshdeep, Shami, and Ravi Bishnoi are in a decent spot, but PBKS better be concerned about leaking runs to opposing teams sometimes.

They will now come face to face with a team that loves to stay on top, and we are yet to see if Punjab can win this to keep their hopes alive. As far as CSK is concerned, it is more about regaining confidence and building momentum before the playoffs. 

CSK vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record

Stats	Matches	CSK Won	PBKS Won	Tied
Overall	25	16	9	0

At Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Stats	Matches	CSK Won	PBKS Won	Tied
At Dubai International Cricket Stadium	1	1	0	0
In the last 5 matches	5	4	1	0
IPL 2021	1	1	0	0

Successful Head-to-Head Records in 1st Batting vs 2nd Batting

Innings	CSK Won	PBKS Won
First Batting	8	5
Second Batting	8	4

CSK vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni (c/wk), Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suresh Raina/Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood.

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul (c/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Sarfaraz Khan/Chris Jordan, Harpreet Brar, Moises Henriques, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

See your favorite players on the list? We bet yes.

Then make your team and play fantasy cricket. Read this Dream 11 points guide to win huge cash. 

You can even play with some bonuses at Cricsbet – A site that offers IPL bonuses and generous rewards. Read the Cricsbet review here and start playing.

Get the Tickets to this IPL Match

Do not miss the chance to see the last few league matches of the IPL before you witness the thrill of playoffs. Get your tickets today at https://dubai.platinumlist.net/vivo-ipl-matches.

The prices of the tickets will vary according to the venues and the ticket prices are as follows:

CITY	TICKET PRICES (STARTING FROM)
Dubai	AED 200
Abu Dhabi	AED 60
Sharjah	AED 200

You can even place bets in IPL at IPL betting sites which ensure exciting gameplay with live-action of all the IPL 2021.

Stay tuned to My Casino Guru and watch this space for all the updated information on IPL 2021 matches, IPL 2021 match updates, and IPL 2021 match news.