The Indian Premier League is nearing its final stretch and three teams are still fighting for spots in the play-offs, with just a handful of league phase matches remaining.
Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans have already been eliminated from the race for the knockouts, while Kolkata Knight Riders have stormed into the next stage after nine wins from 13 matches.
Rajasthan Royals booked their ticket to the next round after Delhi Capitals' win over Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. Both Delhi and Lucknow are effectively out of the tournament.
The fight is still on for the remining two play-off spots. Here we take a look at the chances of the rest of the teams still in contention.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Matches: 12, Points: 14, NRR: 0.406
Hyderabad have a very realistic chance of securing qualification as their remaining matches are against teams that have already been eliminated – Gujarat and Punjab. And both matches are at home. Win both and Hyderabad will be vying for a top-two finish. If they win just one, the Sunrisers will finish on 16 points and still qualify for the play-offs as only four teams now can finish with eight wins or more.
However, if Sunrisers somehow lose both their matches, then they will need Chennai to defeat Bengaluru. They will then qualify as the fourth team, despite being tied on 14 points with Delhi and possibly Lucknow, on net run rate.
Chennai Super Kings
Matches: 13, Points: 14, NRR: 0.528
Chennai have one match remaining and that is against Bengaluru away on Saturday. They have the best run rate among the teams still in contention and can qualify for the play-offs with a straightforward victory against the Royal Challengers.
Interestingly, Chennai can qualify even if they lose to Bengaluru. All they then need to ensure progress is not lose by a margin where their net run rate falls below RCB's.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Matches: 13, Points: 12, NRR: 0.387
Bengaluru have the most difficult path to the play-offs as even a victory against Chennai in their last league phase match might not be enough.
However, if there is one team that deserves some luck, it is the Royal Challengers. The Bengaluru side were down and out near the halfway mark after five defeats from six matches. But they have since staged a remarkable turnaround, winning five matches in a row. And they can still squeeze into the play-offs.
Firstly, they need to defeat Chennai at home on Saturday, and by a decent margin. If they bat first, they need to win by 18 runs or more after scoring 200. Or chase down the target with around two overs to spare to go ahead of Chennai on net run rate while on 14 points.
Remaining IPL 2024 league stage fixtures
Wednesday, May 15: Rajasthan Royals v Punjab Kings, Guwahati
Thursday, May 16: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Gujarat Titans, Hyderabad
Friday, May 17: Mumbai Indians v Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai
Saturday, May 18: Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Chennai Super Kings, Bengaluru
Sunday, May 19: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Punjab Kings, Hyderabad; Rajasthan Royals v Kolkata Knight Riders, Guwahati
Weather update for RCB v CSK
There is a chance of weather disruption during Saturday's match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Indian weather department has predicted rain and even thundershowers for the week in Bengaluru. The forecast for Saturday says there is 70 per cent chance of rain.
If there is a washout, Chennai will qualify for the play-offs on 15 points and Bengaluru will be eliminated.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Rub of Time: Bellow, Nabokov, Hitchens, Travolta, Trump and Other Pieces 1986-2016
Martin Amis,
Jonathan Cape
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
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UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
MATCH INFO
Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')
Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)
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