The 2020 IPL is the first season (among the 10 to feature eight teams) when no team has reached more than 14 points after 46 games. The playoffs race is getting tight as we move to the last few games.

Delhi Capitals: Position on points table: 2nd, Played 11, Points 14
Remaining matches: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (October 27), Mumbai Indians (October 31), Royal Challengers Bangalore (November 2)

The Delhi Capitals are coming into this game with two consecutive losses, against the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Kings XI Punjab. If the Capitals win on Tuesday, they move to 16 points. Five teams could still reach that tally, but given the Knight Riders' poor net run rate, the Capitals should be a reasonably safe bet for a playoff spot if they get to 16. If the Capitals lose they would be a bit worried since their last two games are against the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. If the Capitals lose their last three games by 20 runs, their NRR will come down to 0.125 and then even Kings XI can go past them.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Position on points table: 7th, Played 11, Points 8
Remaining matches: vs Delhi Capitals (October 27), Royal Challengers (October 31), Mumbai (November 3)

Every game for the Sunrisers Hyderabad is a must win now because 12 points is not enough to make the playoffs. Even if they get to 14 points they will need other results to go their way to qualify since four other teams can still get to 16 or more points (a five-way tie on 16 points is still possible). However, the Sunrisers are at an advantage with a positive net run rate (0.029) should things pan out in a manner that teams go through with just 14 points. The Sunrisers play the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai in their last two games in Sharjah and it might be a hard task.