Chennai Super Kings could be eclipsed by leaders Sunrisers

Chennai v Hyderabad
Sky Sports Cricket, 11.30am Sunday
Mumbai v Rajasthan
Sky Sports Cricket 3.30pm Sunday

The clash between the Indian Premier League’s top two sides is made slightly less intense by the fact that leaders and series favourites Sunrisers Hyderabad have already clinched a place in the playoffs.

Home side Chennai have not, but they are no shoo-ins against a capable side having wobbled since they got in sight of a top-four place.

The Super Kings have lost three of their last five games including a four-wicket defeat to Rajasthan last time out when Jos Buttler blasted 95 not out.

Chennai had skittled strugglers Bangalore in their previous game but were poor against Kolkata in the match before.

Hyderabad have made a happy habit of defending totals that didn’t quite look up to the mark with some excellent bowling displays and with Chennai being possible playoff opponents they may want to strike an advance psychological blow on their hosts.

Sunday’s second game is between two teams who can probably forget the playoffs if they lose.

Mumbai are on a roll having won three games in a row after a terrible start to the campaign but they look short against a sound Rajasthan outfit.

Buttler is aiming for a record-equalling fifth-straight half-century, but opener Ajinkya Rahane will be desperate to come good against his old team and could pip Buttler and Ben Stokes for the top-scorer honours.

Recommendations
Hyderabad
1pt Evs general
A Rahane top Rajasthan runscorer
1pt 7-2 Sky Bet

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