SEMIFINAL 2 - Chennai v Punjab

Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab, played at Mumbai Saturday 31st May

The second semi final features MS Dhoni’s Super Kings against the all-conquering Kings XI, led by Yuvraj Singh.   As 2nd vs 3rd in the table this is theoretically a closer game than the first semi final, but of course anything can happen in 20/20....

SEMIFINAL 1 - Delhi v Rajasthan

Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals, played at Mumbai, Friday 30th May

The first semi final pits Shane Warne’s Royals against Virender Sehwag’s mercurial Daredevils.   It’s a 1st vs 4th situation, with the Royals notching a table topping record of 11 wins and 3 losses against Delhi’s 7 wins, 6 losses and a no-result, which ultimately saw them creep through to the knockout stages just ahead of Mumbai....

Punjab v Rajasthan, game 56

Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals, to be played Wednesday 28th May

It’s the top two, facing off in a possible final rehearsal.   Both teams have shown visible class through the tournament, the question is whether either side rests large numbers of players with a view to keeping some secrets from the other, for a potential title showdown on 1st June.

Punjab were veritably bushwhacked by Kolkata in their last game, from a position of great strength, as Ganguly, Gul and co punished a suggestion of complacency…

Bangalore v Mumbai, game 55

Bangalore Royal Challengers v Mumbai Indians, to be played Wednesday 28th May

The significance of this game will be largely determined by the result of Tuesday’s clash between Deccan and Chennai.   If Chennai win that encounter, Mumbai will be playing for pride only, while should Deccan turn over the Super Kings, Mumbai will be playing for the last playoff place.

Mumbai’s run of 6 straight wins was derailed first by Punjab and then, damagingly, by Delhi in their last game...