IPL Semifinals 2011

It's semifinal time in the fourth year of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and we were in the unusual position of the semifinal fixtures being played as the last games of the league. It will be Chennai against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but what do the matches on Sunday tell us about the respective chances of each team?

Firstly, RCB are my pick as the favourites to win the tournament. The destructive batting of Chris Gayle, by far the best batsman on current form, has propelled them to the top of the table and their easy win against Chennai on Sunday showed why they are serious challengers. I would, however, never rule out Chennai who have a never give up attitude that makes them difficult opponents. If they do not beat RCB in their semi I still expect them to make the final through the additional playoff.

Of the other two teams it is Mumbai who stand out as most likely to make the extra playoff, especially after their last gasp win over KKR a few days ago. KKR were almost certain to win before a lot of luck and a bit of bad bowling got them off the hook and earned them an unlikely win. After a long streak of losing games this was a much needed win for Mumbai which could be the turn around in form they need to win the tournament. KKR will have a tough time bouncing back from this loss, and it is unlikely they will make the final.

As always T20 cricket is a very unpredictable game so i will not rule out anyone winning at this stage. The matches start later today with the final taking place this Saturday.