Things have heated up in the Indian Premier League 2018 (IPL 2018)). The race to playoffs has begun. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are conformably placed on top of the IPL 2018 points table and look almost certain for a place in the playoffs. Remaining teams are fighting it out for the two more places on offer. There is still a chance for teams like Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are placed on seventh and eighth, to make it to next round.

On day 33 of IPL 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will go head to head at the Eden Gardens. With Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeating Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) yesterday, it has added to the intensity. Here’s the quick recap of what happened between RR and KXIP.

Highlights of match 40 on May 09, 2018: Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab

Royals maintained their hundred percent winning record at home against KXIP. RR bowlers did well to defend the target of 159. KL Rahul once again stood tall for Punjab with his unbeaten 95, but that was not enough for the team to help them cross the line. It was a must-win game for RR and with it, they keep their chances of qualification for playoffs alive.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals 158/8 (Jos Buttler 82, Sanju Samson 22; Andrew Tye 4/34) beat Kings XI Punjab (Lokesh Rahul 95 not out, Marcus Stoinis 11; Krishnappa Gowtham 2/12).

Day 33 Schedule: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians

Defending champions MI will be looking to enter the top-four on the points table as they face KKR. It will be an away game for MI. KKR, on the other hand, will be hoping to strengthen their position on the upper half of the points table.

Day 33 Predictions: KKR vs MI

Eden Gardens is a happy hunting ground for Rohit Sharma. At this very venue, he scored 264 in an ODI match and also lifted two IPL titles won on this ground. It very much reflects on MI’s record against KKR at the Eden Gardens. Out of eight, MI have won six matches against KKR. And given MI’s recent win, they look strong favourites in this fixture as well.

IPL 2018 Fantasy League Picks

Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Sunil Narine, Evin Lewis, Andre Russell, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Markande and Jasprit Bumrah should be your priority picks. Russell will be ideal as a captain thanks to his all-round skills while Suryakumar Yadav can be kept as vice-captain.

A Look at the IPL 2018 Points Table

SRH, CSK, KXIP, and KKR occupy top four places on the points table. If KKR beat MI by a good margin they will overtake KXIP at number three spot. In case, MI wins, they will overtake KKR at fourth place. Check out complete IPL 2018 points table here.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 09, 2018 04:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).