Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 has well and truly reached its business end. The Play-Offs are near and the teams are scrambling to secure a spot. After 48 matches, we have just two teams that have qualified to the knock-outs - Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

With Delhi Daredevils (DD) being the only team out of contention, we're left with five teams vying for the final two Play-Off berths. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are all in with a shot. Albeit, in varying proportions.

Here is the IPL 2018 points table after Match 48

Beginning Tuesday, there are two league matches that each of the eight teams will play. Needless to say, each game holds great importance. Let's have a look at what each of the five teams in contention need to qualify for the Play-Offs.

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR are third in the table with 12 points. They looked like they were sliding after consecutive defeats against Mumbai, but made a strong statement of intent by posting 245 against Punjab en route a victory. A win versus Rajasthan on Tuesday will be a huge step forward for the Dinesh Karthik-led side. If they lose, they have to win their final game against SRH and hope either RR or KXIP lose in the last round of league matches. KKR must get to 14 points, but a week Net Run-Rate (NRR) could prove detrimental if MI or RCB move up.

Rajsthan Royals

They were at the bottom of the table just a week ago, but victories in their three games has propelled them to fourth position with 12 points. Like KKR, Rajasthan will be hoping to win their final two games and ensuring qualification. A win against KKR on Tuesday is crucial, but Ajinkya Rahane's side can afford a loss if they manage to trounce RCB in their last league game and Kings XI lose one of their two remaining matches. Even then, NRR could be the deciding factor. Jos Buttler's form is critical for RR going forward. The Englishman has been in stellar form this season, and the fate of his team depends greatly on him.

Kings XI Punjab

They looked like serious contenders in the early stages of the season. But five losses in six games has completely derailed Punjab's campaign. Despite being fifth in the table with 12 points, they have the worst NRR among the eight teams. The ten-wicket defeat by RCB adding greatly to that embarrassment. This means Ravichandran Ashwin's men must win both their remaining games. For a single defeat could ensure their NRR holds them back.

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