The Indian Premier League might have lost some momentum following an enforced break due to the conflict between India and Pakistan earlier in the month, but has gone into overdrive soon after resumption over the weekend.
Within a couple of days, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings all secured their play-off spots, while Lucknow Super Giants became the fifth team to be knocked out of the tournament with 10 points from 12 matches, joining Chennai, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Kolkata on the sidelines.
That means only two teams remain in the race – Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. And both teams face off on Wednesday in what is the most crucial match of the league phase.
Qualification chances for Mumbai and Delhi
Mumbai and Delhi have two matches each remaining in the league section of the tournament. Hardik Pandya’s five-time champions are on 14 points while the Capitals are on 13.
The equation is straightforward for Mumbai. If they win at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, they will qualify for the play-offs as their points tally would swell to 16; Delhi can only go up to 15 if they then win their last game. Interestingly, both teams’ final league match is against the already qualified Punjab.
However, if Mumbai lose, Delhi will move up to 15 points. In that case, Delhi only need to win their last match against Punjab, or hope Shreyas Iyer’s Kings defeat Mumbai on Monday, to qualify for the play-offs.
Wednesday’s day-night match is, therefore, effectively a shoot-out for the last play-offs spot.
However, there is a third factor in play which could alter calculations. Heavy rain has been forecast for Mumbai for most of the week, as a large part of the country is preparing for the start of the monsoon season.
If Mumbai and Delhi end up sharing points, that would mean both sides will have to win their final matches against Punjab.
IPL organisers have taken into account the prevailing weather in the country, along with security considerations, and moved the remaining fixtures around accordingly.
Reinforcements for Mumbai
Mumbai are clear favourites going into the match. After an all too familiar listless start to the tournament – losing four of their first five games – Mumbai have won six games on the bounce to move into pole position for the play-offs.
Delhi have gone in the other direction. For the first half of the IPL, they looked the most settled squad with good depth in batting and bowling. But, as has been in the case in previous season, Delhi have found ways to falter when it matters most.
Qualification to the play-offs, which seemed a formality at one stage, is now slipping away and looks a tall order without pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who decided not to return to India after the conflict-enforced break.
Mumbai too are likely to feel the heat of player exodus soon. England all-rounder Will Jacks and South African duo Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch will depart for their respective national duties after Mumbai's last league match on Monday.
Jonny Bairstow will replace compatriot Jacks for the final phase of the tournament. Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka and England pacer Richard Gleeson have been signed by Mumbai.
If Mumbai do make the cut, they will have a new set of problems to tackle. All three departing players have played important roles in helping turn their campaign around.
Asking the replacements to come in and deliver straightaway in a do-or-die clash is unfair, but the situation in similar at other franchises.
Mumbai should not worry too much about the departure of their foreign contingent as their local stars – including batter Rohit Sharma who recently announced his Test retirement – had been firing on all cylinders, at least until before the pause in the league.
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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The biog
Year of birth: 1988
Place of birth: Baghdad
Education: PhD student and co-researcher at Greifswald University, Germany
Hobbies: Ping Pong, swimming, reading
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
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