Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, 53rd Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Indian Premier League 2020 Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Date & Time: Nov 01, 02:00 PM LOCAL

KXIP lost the game to CSK to be knocked out © BCCI/IPL

That's a wrap for

& who aren't in the race can decide the fate of other teams. Easily the closest heading to the last round of matches in an IPL season. vKXIP

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What do KXIP need to qualify?

A big win over CSK will tip the scales in KXIP's favour. They currently have an NRR of -0.133, bettered only by SRH among the teams that can also finish on as many points as them (14). However, if KXIP lose this game then they'll be out of the playoffs race.

CSK look to rain on KXIP's dramatic parade

After dragging Kolkata Knight Riders towards the exit door with them, MS Dhoni reckoned his knocked out team were still relevant in the tournament as long as they were competing. And compete they did. They put a spanner in the works of Virat Kohli's RCB, all but ended KKR's tumultuous season, and now have the chance to bring an anti-climatic end to one of the most dramatic narratives of the year that has been KXIP.

For the first time in the 13-year history of the tournament, CSK been reduced to playing for pride as the league stage comes to a close. Meanwhile, KXIP find themselves in a situation that CSK experienced in 2000. CSK had limped to just two wins in their first seven matches before turning the league on its head by not just qualifying for the knockouts, but also winning their maiden title. KL Rahul's side had just one victory in the first seven this year, but the inspiring run since yielded five wins on the bounce.

Friday night's defeat to Rajasthan Royals was a stumbling block, but the afternoon game against CSK presents KXIP one last opportunity to fully rise up from the dead. Read the full preview here.