IPL 2014 Schedule, Games List, Matches Preview: Focus Moves to Play-Offs as Stakes Rise

With just six matches and three days of the league phase remaining, all eyes are now on play-offs in the Pepsi Indian Premier League, which kicks off on May 27.

As expected, high-flying Kings IX Punjab (18 points from 12 games) leads the league table, while formidable Chennai Super Kings (16 points from 13 matches) are placed second. Kolkata Knight Riders (14 points from 13 games) are placed third, while Rajasthan Royals (14 points from 12 matches) are fourth.

The first three teams have already qualified for the play-offs. It is expected that, with two more games to go, Rajasthan will also comfortably make it to the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, defending champions Mumbai Indians (10 points from 12 matches) take on Delhi Daredevils (placed last in the table with just four points from 12 outings) in the 51st match of the IPL T20 2104 in Mumbai at 6.00 am ET on Friday (May 23) in a lackluster tie. Both teams have already forfeited their chances of qualifying for the play-offs and what remains to be seen is whether Mumbai can salvage some of the reputation in their last two outings.

Delhi, on the other hand, are a demoralized lot, as despite having some of the best players, including their skipper Kevin Pietersen, they have failed to make it to the last four since the inception of IPL T20. The team will be appearing in its last two matches (against Mumbai and another versus Punjab in Mohali on May 25) just to complete the formalities.

Punjab take on Rajasthan in Friday's second match (52nd of this season) in their home ground Mohali at 10:00 a.m. ET. This tie is expected to be a keenly contested, as both teams are in form. While Punjab will be keen to ensure that they retain the top position in the league table, Rajasthan will be going all out to secure the fourth berth in the quarter finals. If Rajasthan succeeds in winning this game, it will pour cold water on the hopes of all other teams, including the fancied Royal Challenged Bangalore, of making it to the play-offs.

The schedule for the remaining IPL 2014 matches is as follows:

DATE	TIME	VENUE	TEAMS
May 24	6.00 a.m. ET	Bangalore	Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Supers Kings
May 24	10.00 a.m. ET	Kolkata	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
May 25	6.00 a.m. ET	Mohali	Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils
May 25	10.00 a.m. ET	Mumbai	Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals
May 27	10.00 a.m. ET	Chennai	First Semi-Final (To Be Announced)
May 28	10.00 a.m. ET	Chennai	Second Semi-Final (To Be Announced)
May 30	10.00 a.m. ET	Mumbai	Decider For Third Place
June 1	10.00 a.m. ET	Bangalore	FINALS