After the action packed start and relatively easy games in the middle, we have come to the business end of the group stages. With 4 out of 5 teams have the chance to make the semi finals, Jaffna Stallions, Colombo Kings and Dambulla Viikings have already booked a place on it.
Kandy Tuskers and Galle Gladiators will battle it out for the one remaining spot and it might go to the wire as both teams take on each other in the last game of the group stages.
Here’s how teams can qualify to semis, given that rain won’t interrupt the games.
Kandy Tuskers
The equation is pretty simple for the team from Kandy. They have two games left and if they win both, they’ll take the final spot in semi finals. But considering the form they are in, it might be a tough task as they also have to face Jaffna Stallions in one of their remaining games.
2 Games left- vs Jaffna Stallions, vs Galle Gladiators
Here’s how Tuskers can make the Playoffs
1. Win against Jaffna Stallions and Galle Gladiators
2. Win only against Jaffna Stallions. Galle Gladiators to lose against Dambulla Viikings. NRR will come to play as both Kandy and Galle will be tied in equal points.
3. Win only against Galle Gladiators. If Galle lose to Dambulla, Tuskers will qualify. If Galle win against Vikings, NRR will decide Kandy’s progress.
Galle Gladiators.
The equation for Galle is same as for Kandy. Qualification is still in their hand as two wins in the two games left will get them the semi final spot. Yesterday’s win against Colombo will give them a big boost going into the two final games.
2 Games left- vs Dambulla Viikings, vs Kandy Tuskers
How Galle can make the Playoffs
1. Win against Dambulla Viikings and Kandy Tuskers.
2. Win only against Dambulla Viikings. Kandy Tuskers to lose against Jaffna Stallions. NRR will come to play as both Kandy and Galle will be tied in equal points.
3. Win only against Kandy Tuskers. If Kandy lose to Jaffna, Galle will take the semi final spot. If Kandy beat Jaffna, NRR will decide Galle’s progress.
Summary
Given the above scenarios, both teams have the same path to the semi final spot. Having a higher NRR than Tuskers will come in handy for Gladiators but performance in the next two games will have an impact to it.
For Tuskers, things look little bleak as their form and NRR is the worst in the tournament. But they have added fire power to their bowling line up as pace star Dale Steyn will be available for them. Question is, can he turn the misfortunes of the Tuskers?
