The conclusion of the group stages meant that the rumble to knock each other out came to a halt. But that, in no way, calmed the storm and in fact intensified the competition to a whole new level. A group of eight fought it out to reach the top and 4 teams made it to the qualifiers. 6 unfortunate teams fought hard but this year wasn't in their favor. Now they pack their bags with disappointment which they'll certainly preserve; after all that rejection will be converted into vengeance next year- extracting better performances from all the eliminated franchises.

Now the tide of the storm will spin harder and will consume everything that comes its way! The eliminators have started off and we are all set to experience cricket matches that only happen once in a long while. The first qualifier of this year's T20 tournament lived up perfectly to its 'crunch match' billing. Royal Challengers Bangalore, regulars in the qualifier league, met Gujarat Lions, first-time entrants in the tournament and qualifier league as well. RCB's experience and GL's unpredictability were pitted against each other.

After a well-contested match, Royal Challengers Bangalore won the first qualifier to automatically reach the finals on IPL 2016. Gujarat Lions tried their level best but RCB was just the better side. It was certainly a loss for GL but not the end of the world- they have another chance to reach the final as they finished in the top two of the league table. Now they have to watch the 2nd qualifier match closely to have an eye on their potential opponent. The winner of the 2nd qualifier will meet Gujarat Lions in a do or die match where the winner will progress to the final. The loser, of course, will join the pack that goes back home!

But before that, the second qualifier between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders will take place. The winner of that match will progress to the eliminator and face Gujarat Lions. The tournament is heading towards the final match but the contest and its intensity are far from over. We still have two unmissable matches to witness before the highly anticipated final will take place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Royal Challengers Bangalore will get the home advantage in the final as they have played several matches there and know the wicket like the back of their hand!