IPL 2017: Punjab to take on Pune in virtual knock out clash

KXIP players shake hands with RPS team members after their six-wicket win in Indore last month. Pic/AFP

There could not be a more exciting end to the league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a resurgent Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will take on Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in a virtual knock out clash here today.

RPS fluffed their lines in what seemed to be an easy run-chase against out of contention Delhi Daredevils only to keep the race of final four open till the last game. RPS are currently on 16 points from 13 games with a net run-rate -0.083, while Kings XI Punjab are on 14 points from equal number of matches but have a comparatively better run-rate of +0.296.

The equation is pretty simple for both teams - a win is all that they need to qualify for the play offs. A victory will take KXIP to 16 points with a superior net run rate, while a RPS will go to 18 points with a win.

For RPS, it will be a challenge facing KXIP, whose campaign gained momentum during the business end of the tournament.